The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

A hungry wolf lived in the hills near a peaceful village.

Every day, he watched a shepherd lead his sheep into a green meadow.

The wolf wanted to catch one of them, but the shepherd was always alert.

A strong dog guarded the flock, and the sheep remained close together.

Whenever the wolf approached, the dog barked loudly and chased him away.

After many unsuccessful attempts, the wolf realized that strength alone would not help him.

— I need a clever plan, — he thought.

One evening, while walking near the edge of the meadow, the wolf found an old sheepskin lying beside a fence.

The shepherd had left it there after shearing and cleaning the flock.

The wolf looked at the soft white wool and smiled.

— Wearing this, I will look like one of the sheep.

He pulled the sheepskin over his back and carefully covered his head and legs.

From a distance, he looked almost exactly like a large sheep.

The following morning, the wolf waited near the path used by the flock.

As the sheep passed, he quietly joined them.

The shepherd counted the animals but noticed nothing unusual.

The guard dog sniffed the air, but the smell of wool covered much of the wolf’s scent.

The disguised wolf walked among the sheep with his head lowered.

He tried to move slowly and quietly, just as they did.

The sheep did not recognize the danger beside them.

They believed he was simply a new member of the flock.

The wolf felt proud of his trick.

— Tonight, when everyone is sleeping, I will choose the largest sheep, — he thought.

When evening came, the shepherd led the flock back to the pen.

The wolf entered with them.

The gate was closed, and the shepherd returned to his house.

The wolf waited for darkness.

He imagined the great meal he would soon enjoy.

But that evening, the shepherd’s family was expecting guests.

The shepherd needed meat for a special dinner.

He returned to the pen carrying a lantern.

— I must choose one large sheep, — he said.

The wolf froze.

The shepherd looked around the dark pen.

Because of the disguise, the wolf appeared to be the largest and strongest sheep there.

The shepherd walked directly toward him.

The wolf tried to step away, but the other sheep blocked his path.

When the shepherd reached for him, the sheepskin slipped.

The wolf’s gray fur, sharp teeth, and frightened eyes were revealed.

— A wolf! — shouted the shepherd.

The guard dog rushed into the pen.

The wolf ran toward the gate, but it was locked.

He barely escaped by jumping over the fence while the dog chased him into the hills.

The wolf returned to his hiding place tired, frightened, and hungry.

His disguise had helped him enter the flock, but it had also placed him in greater danger.

He finally understood that deception can trap the deceiver.