1. How They Went To The Mountains To Eat Nuts
«The nuts are quite ripe now,» said Chanticleer to his wifePartlet, «suppose we go together to the mountains, and eat as manyas we can, before the squirrel takes them all away.» «With all myheart,» said Partlet, «let us go and make a holiday of it together.»
So they went to the mountains; and as it was a lovely day, theystayed there till the evening. Now, whether it was that they had eatenso many nuts that they could not walk, or whether they were lazy andwould not, I do not know: however, they took it into their heads thatit did not become them to go home on foot. So Chanticleer began tobuild a little carriage of nutshells: and when it was finished,Partlet jumped into it and sat down, and bid Chanticleer harnesshimself to it and draw her home. «That’s a good joke!» said Chanticleer;«no, that will never do; I had rather by half walk home; I’ll sit onthe box and be coachman, if you like, but I’ll not draw.» While this waspassing, a duck came quacking up and cried out, «You thievingvagabonds, what business have you in my grounds? I’ll give it you wellfor your insolence!» and upon that she fell upon Chanticleer mostlustily. But Chanticleer was no coward, and returned the duck’s blowswith his sharp spurs so fiercely that she soon began to cry out formercy; which was only granted her upon condition that she would draw thecarriage home for them. This she agreed to do; and Chanticleer gotupon the box, and drove, crying, «Now, duck, get on as fast as youcan.» And away they went at a pretty good pace.
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