Story 26. Turtle and Mr. Leopard (I).
Long ago, Turtle got sick.
He needed to go to the forest to find some plants.
On his way, Turtle stopped to see if his neighbour, Mr. Leopard, could give him a ride on his back.
But Mr. Leopard was not home.
His wife answered the door.
Turtle said, That is too bad.
I was hoping I could ride on his back to the forest.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Leopard was not happy with Turtle.
When Mr. Leopard came home, Mrs. Leopard told him what had happened.
Mr. Leopard was really mad, too.
He ran directly to Turtle's house and said, You think you can ride me like a horse?
This will never happen.
I am a leopard, fast and strong.
Turtle said, I did not say this.
But Leopard did not believe him.
Let's go and see my wife, he said.
She will prove that you did indeed say this.
Turtle was a cunning animal.
He said, I am too sick to walk that far, but if you give me a ride I will surely go.
Leopard agreed, and so they prepared to leave.
