"No," replied the king, "his explanation is cunning, but untrue. I went to the top of the Topaz Mountain last night to get nearer the ear of the man in the moon, in order to invite him down to see me and my country. He did not seem to hear me, although I roared and shouted at him all night, and during the time I was there not a flake of snow fell. Therefore my judgment is that Crafticus did know that Awkwardibus the gander was mine, for it was green and nothing else all the time. Crafticus, I do therefore sentence you to leave your wife and children, with all the rest of the Craftikites, and to stay with widow Stupidify in my barn and its near surroundings, and to provide food and comfort for her as long as she lives." This was a deep humiliation, and Crafticus howled with shame and disgust. When he moved away from the king's presence with the fat goose waddling by his side, all the hyenas laughed and laughed. And this was so vexing to him that he slyly turned his head toward Stupidify and showed her all his teeth in anger. So they walked away in the direction of the king's barn, which was to be their home when they were not out in search of food. * * * * * That night before the goose came in, Crafticus thought and thought how he could get rid of Stupidify. At last he rose up and sniffed through the dried grass in search of Furrier, the black cat. Furrier was asleep; but Crafticus nipped his left ear gently, and he awoke with a yawn and stretched out his claws. "What do you want?" said he, looking up. "I wish you to help me to get rid of that hateful goose, dear Furrier." "I am afraid of the king," replied the cat. "You needn't, you will be quite safe. I have a cunning plan, but I need your help, and I will reward you well." [Illustration: CRAFTICUS. "I have a cunning plan."] Crafticus then told his plan, and Purrier agreed and went out to meet the goose, while the fox lay down in a low broad box, as if fast asleep. * * * * * "Hail, Stupidify, lovely fat goose," cried Furrier, when he met her and saw her by the light of the moon. "Joy be with you, dear sooty cat." "Has Crafticus provided any food for you to-day?" "Not a single speck, and I have been searching till now and have scarcely got any--this place is new to me, as you know." "Oh my poor dear goose, how sorry I am." And hearing this she sat down and screamed. "Arise and assert your rights," said Purrier, "and I will help you. Let us go together to Crafticus, and if he be as careless about your bed as about your food, you just scream and scream till you get what you want." So they went along side by side, and when they entered the barn and looked into the box, Crafticus appeared to be in a deep sleep, but he was only pretending.