During the time when the animals could talk, Daddy Sheep was the terror of all the plains and the woods. When he walked abroad, with his sharp horns hanging on his head, the creatures that met him saluted him with the utmost politeness, and then ran away, glad to escape with their lives. In order for Daddy Sheep to have such a reputation as this, it would seem to be necessary that he had made a great many victims, devouring some with his teeth, and tearing others with his terrible horns; but in regard to these matters I am not able to testify. I am of the opinion, moreover, that old Mammy Sheep, who knew him well, could not say any more. She and her friends, and, indeed, all the other animals, justified the proverb that is applied to those who are lazy and cowardly: "It is better to believe what you hear than to go and investigate the matter." As often happens, the repetition of a statement gives it currency, and all the creatures came to believe that Daddy Sheep was as terrible as rumor had described him to be. One day, as Daddy Sheep was going out of the pasture, where he had been grazing on wild thyme, he came to a beautiful river and concluded to quench his thirst. He approached the water, and started to drink, but the terrible reflection he saw there—a frowning face surrounded by wrinkled horns frightened him to such a degree that he scampered home as fast as his legs could carry him. One day a Tiger, who lived not far from this so-called king of the forest and plain, mustered up courage, and resolved to cultivate the good-will of his powerful neighbor by making him a visit. So he took with him his son, the young Tiger, who was already well grown. While yet at a distance the Tiger saw the powerful Sheep, and saluted him very humbly. Coming nearer, the Tiger, still humble and polite, inquired after the health of Daddy Sheep's family. "I came, dear neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "to pay you a visit of respect. My good wife would have come also, but she is unavoidably detained at home expecting a visit from a friend, and she is compelled to postpone this pleasure to another day." "Come in, neighbor—come in!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "To whom does this charming child belong?" "It is my child," said Brother Tiger. "Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," said Daddy Sheep. "And your own son?" exclaimed Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness; "how is he?" "He is very well, I thank you," said Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house." While the two fathers were gravely discussing the affairs of the country, the young Tiger and the young Sheep went out into the garden to play. After a while, Brother Tiger became so uneasy that he could scarcely keep still. "Excuse me a moment," he said to Daddy Sheep, "I will return directly." "Certainly, certainly!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "Do not stand on ceremony here." At once Brother Tiger went out and whispered to his son: