When the Lion woke up from his nap one afternoon, he was very hungry. Just then a little Mouse came upon his wide open mouth with the row of sharp white teeth. The Lion put out his huge paw and caught the Mouse.
“Please let me go Master Lion,” said the little creature. “I will never forget your kindness. Perhaps I may be able to do you a good turn some of these days.”
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could help him. But the modest little creature looked so comical that the Lion soon recovered his good nature and, lifting up his paw, let his prisoner go.
Some days later, the Lion found himself to his dismay caught in the toils of the hunter’s nets. Unable to free himself, he gave roaring for help.
“The best thing I can do,” said the little Mouse, “is to gnaw the nets in two.”
Soon the Mouse gnawed a great many of the strong ropes, and soon the Lion was free.
“You laughed when I said I would help you,” said the little Mouse.
“Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion.”
Little friends may prove great friends.