Pagina 195 de 274

Why I have these fits of yawning I cannot tell: maybe they are

sent as a punishment for my misdeeds; but, whatever the reason,

the facts are that when I have yawned three times I become a

ravening wolf and fly at men's throats." As he finished speaking

he yawned a second time and howled again as before. The

Innkeeper, believing every word he said, and terrified at the

prospect of being confronted with a wolf, got up hastily and

started to run indoors; but the Thief caught him by the coat and

tried to stop him, crying, "Stay, sir, stay, and take charge of

my clothes, or else I shall never see them again." As he spoke he

opened his mouth and began to yawn for the third time. The

Innkeeper, mad with the fear of being eaten by a wolf, slipped

out of his coat, which remained in the other's hands, and bolted

into the inn and locked the door behind him; and the Thief then

quietly stole off with his spoil.

THE PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS