Jackal, Fox, and Wagtail

Jackal went to Fox and said, "Come swear that Wagtail owes me a pound of butter."

Fox swore it was true. "You must pay Jackal the butter," said Fox.

When Greyhound saw Wagtail weeping, he asked what was wrong, and she explained. Greyhound then jumped in a sack. "Tie the sack shut and give it to Jackal," he said.

"Jackal!" said Wagtail. "The butter's in here."

Jackal started to open the sack and saw Greyhound's nose. "Hey, Fox," he said, "Come share the butter."

When Fox opened the sack, Greyhound seized him.

"That's your punishment for swearing falsely!" Jackal shouted.

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Inspired by: "The Wagtail and the Jackal" in Moorish Literature edited by Rene Basset, 1901.
Notes: You can read the original story online.

African wagtail