Go and laugh at him, gentlemen; he deserves it as much as I can, I assure you." "Pardon me," said the griffin, taking the pipe out of his mouth; "one never laughs at the honest." "And see," said the bear, "here he is." And indeed the dog had, after much effort, gnawed the string in two, and extricated his paw; the scent of the fox had enabled him to track his footsteps, and here he arrived, burning for vengeance and finding himself already avenged.
But his first thought was for his dear cousin.

"Ah, where is she ?" he cried movingly; "without doubt that villain Reynard has served her some scurvy trick." "I fear so indeed, my old friend," answered the griffin; "but don't grieve,--after all, she was nothing particular.

You shall marry my daughter the griffiness, and succeed to all the treasure; ay, and all the bones that you once guarded so faithfully." "Talk not to me," said the faithful dog.

"I want none of your treasure; and, though I don't mean to be rude, your griffiness may go to the devil.

I will run over the world, but I will find my dear cousin." "See her then," said the griffin; and the beautiful cat, more beautiful than ever, rushed out of the cavern, and threw herself into the dog's paws.
A pleasant scene this for the fox! He had skill enough in the female heart to know that it may excuse many little infidelities, but to be boiled alive for a griffin's soup--no, the offence was inexpiable.
"You understand me, Mr.Reynard," said the griffin, "I have no daughter, and it was me you made love to.