THE FOX AND THE RACCOON
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ousin, the raccoon, who was coming up from the riverwith a heavy string of crawfish over his shoulder. * Good morning, cousin,” said the fox. “ Where didyou get this fine string of crawfish? ” -“ Good morning to you! ” replied the raccoon. “ Isthis a new song you were singing as you came alongby the road? It is well to sing if you have had yourbreakfast; if not, it might bring you bad luck. “ As for the fish, I caught them in the river downthere. It was very easy and you can do it even betterthan I because your tail is so fine and bushy.” “ Never mind my tail,” replied the fox, “ but tellme how you caught the crawfish.” “ That is easy! If you go down the river to the placewhere there is a curve around the hill, you will find anumber of air holes in the clear, smooth ice. Choosethe best one, and stick your tail deep into the water,If you want to catch a large number of crawfish, youwill have to sit there and wait a long time until theycome around and fasten their claws into the long hairof your tail. “Don’t mind waiting, for they will surely come;and when you feel that your tail is getting quite heavy, rade
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