Some hungry Dogs saw a number of hides at the bottom of a stream where the Tanner had put them to soak. Wolf!, As he expected, the Villagers who heard the cry dropped their work and ran in great excitement to the pasture. Why, I am only a Bird! They soon made him feel so ridiculous that he dropped the basket and seized a large piece of roast meat intended for his master's dinner. The Farmer, of course, knew the Cranes and their ways. He visited the hen house very often and at last got so greedy that he would swallow the eggs whole. The foolish Goat now saw what a plight he had got into, and begged the Fox to help him out. He wanted to save at least some of his grain. He was a very proud Rat, considering his small size and the bad reputation all Rats have. He would not honor the fool with even so much as a stroke of his claws.
Self help is the best help.