The Wily Fox and The Greedy Jackal

        A Fox and a Jackal were neighbors. Their homes were built in a thicket near a forest. The jackal was younger and quicker than the Fox, who couldn't hunt so well. Every time he felt hungry he had to plan like it was a military campaign and hide for hours till he was numb with fatigue, waiting for prey to approach. He often returned home empty-handed. He was jealous of Jackal, who usually made a kill when he went out. The Fox felt his neighbor was a real pain in the backside.

"I must do something," he said to himself. The little upstart is hunting on my territory and taking all my food. He doesn't know the wolf killed his father, but I did because I arranged it. I've got to show him who is the boss!

One day, early in the morning, the Fox found a dead duck lying on the seashore. He picked it up to his mouth and trotted off home intent on showing it to his neighbor before he went out himself. "today's my lucky day," he thought to himself. By the time he'd returned the Fox was tired but he remembered the words of his father; "Quit talking and start working!" Now, he thought, it was time for work.

He went up to the jackal's front door and knocked, using one of his forepaws. "Hello?" he said.

"Who is it?"

"It is I, Fox, your neighbor."

"Come in."

Once inside the fox said, "I heard you were ill so I brought you a little something. I got two ducks yesterday from my friend the crocodile and I thought you'd like one. You've got to keep your strength up for hunting. Frankly, you don't look too clever now."The Jackal thanked the fox for the gift but was puzzled "Who told you I was sick? I'm perfectly healthy.

"The crocodile told me differently. He said you were bedridden."

"Well, I admittedly was tired yesterday after a full day's hunting. I had an early night."

"I don't need to go hunting anymore," the fox confided." My friend the crocodile will help me out when I feel hungry."

"What a lucky man you are." replied the Jackal sorrowfully. "I wish I had a friend like yours."

"Chin up," said the fox, "I can introduce you to him if you like. I'll say you're my pal and neighbor and he'll help you too. As my father once told me, "Son," he said, "your neighbor is your best friend. Always look out for him and share your skills. Come on, let's go visit him now."

"I'll just have some drinks to take along."

"There is no time. If we're not there soon he'll have to go hunting."

So they trotted off together and soon reached a small lake. A few yards from shore, there was a big rock.

"Swim over to that rock," said Fox, "and I'll go and get my friend. I'll be back soon."

"But I can't swim,” Jackal said.

"Well, try jumping then; it's near enough. If you want free food for the rest of your life you'd better look sharp. Also, think about your food likes - he's bound to ask what you want. You know, fish, duck, deer or cow, zebra, and so on.”

The Jackal overjoyed and tried to jump over the rock. But it was too far away and he fell into the water. He desperately tried to reach the rock but it was to no avail. After thrashing around for some minutes he sank and drowned.

The Fox, who had observed all this from behind some bushes, went back to Jackal's home and made himself comfortable in a big armchair. As he chewed on the duck he said to himself, "for the sake of my friend the Jackal's soul. May God forgive him.
KZ