Year: 1878

unfit to work. His master was there
fore tired of keeping him, and began to
think about putting an end to him; but
the ass, who saw some mischief was in
the wind, took himself slyly off, and be-
gan his journey toward the great city,
for there, thought he, l may turn musi-
clan.


After he had travelled little way he
spied dog lying by the roadside and
painting as if he were very tired.


What makes you pant SO, my friend ?
said the ass.


Alas said the dog, my master was
going to knock me on the head because
am old and weak, and can no longer
make myself useful to him in hunting
so ran away; but what can I do to
earn my livelihood?


Hark ye! said the ass, | am going to
the great city to turn musician; suppose
you go with me, and try what you can
do in the same way?


The dog said he was willing, and
they logged on together.


They had not gone far before they
saw cat sitting in the middle of the
road and making most rueful face.
Pray my good lady, said the ass,
what's the matter? You look quite out
spirits


All me !! said the cat, how can one be
in good spirits when ones life is in dan
ger? Because I am beginning to grow
old, and had rather lie at my ease by
the fire than run about the house after
mice, my mistress laid hold of me, and
was going to drown me; and though I
have been lucky enough to get away
from her, do not know what l am to
live upon.


o said the ass, by all means 60 with
us to the great city; you are good
night singer, and make your fortune as
a musician.


The cat was pleased with the thought
and joined the party.


Soon afterwards, as they were pass
ing farm yard, they saw cock
perched upon the gate, and screaming
out with all his might and main.
! Bravo said the ass upon my word
you make famous noise; pray wuav
all this about?


Why, said the cock, I was just now
saying that we should have fine weather
our washing day. and yet my mis-
tress and the cook don't thank me for
for my pains, but threatened to cut my
head off tomorrow, and make broth of
me for the guests that are coming on
Sunday.


Heaven forbid said the ass come
with us, Master Chanticlecr 1t will be
better, at any rate, than staying here tc
have your head cut off Besides, who
knows? If we take care to sing in tune
we may get up some kind of concert
SO come along with US.


| With all my heart, said the cock; 81
they all four went on jollily together.


They could not, however, reach tn,


great city on the first day; SO whel


night came on, they went into woot


to sleep. The ass and the dog laid them


selves down under a great tree, and tn
cat climbed up into the branches Will


the cock, thinking the higher he sa
the safer he should be, few up to th


very top of the tree, and then accordin
to his custom, before he went to sleeI
, looked out on all sides of him to see tha
everything was we'll. In doing this, b


saw afar off something bright and shil
r ing and calling to his companions said
(: There must be a house no great wa
e off for | see light.


If that be the case, said the ass, v
had better change our quarters, for OF


lodging is not the best in the world
: Besides. added the dog, I should not
). the worse for a bone or two. or bit
|


y meat. So they walked off together to,


ard the spot where Chanticleer had set
= the light; and as they drew near, it b
e. came larger and brighter, till they
r. last came close to a house where gal
ID of robbers lived.


The ass, being the tallest of the col
pany, marched to the window and pee
. ed in. Well, Donkey. said the Chan
y cleer, what do you see (? What do | se
bt replied the ass, why see a table spre
I'd with all kinds of good things, and re


bers sitting around it making mer
lu "a That would be noble lodging for
' ;f said the cock. Yes. said the ass. if
at could only get in; SO they counselled
lie gether to see how they should contr
ng to get the robbers out and at last tt
ie hit upon plan. The ass placed hi
- self upright upon his hind legs, W
Nm his fore feet resting upon the windo
81 the dog got upon his back; the
'ut scrambled up to the dogs shoulders, a
ne the cock flew up and sat upon the c;
I,e head. When all was ready, a sig


was given, and they began their mu
he The ass brayed, the dog barked, the
ans mewed. and cock screamed: and they