The Fox and the Cat

A fox and a cat met on a forest path and began talking about escaping danger.

— I know a hundred clever tricks, — boasted the fox. — No hunter could ever catch me.

— I know only one good trick, — admitted the cat. — When danger comes, I climb a tree.

The fox laughed.

— Only one? You should learn more from me.

Just then, they heard hunting dogs running through the forest.

Without wasting a moment, the cat climbed the nearest tree and sat safely on a high branch.

The fox tried to choose among all his plans. Should he hide in the bushes, run toward the river, follow a rocky path, or crawl into a hollow log?

While he hesitated, the dogs came closer. At last, the fox chose a path and escaped only after a frightening chase.

Later, the cat said, — One reliable plan can be better than a hundred confusing ideas.

The tired fox agreed and decided to practice his best skills instead of merely boasting about many of them.