A farmer, attempting to trap animals stealing his grain, inadvertently falls into his own pit and dies. An Ermine discovers the body and decides to drag it away, inviting other animals to take a bite as they help him. The Squirrel, Hare, Fox, Wolf, and Bear each take a bite and assist in hauling the farmer's body. As they consume the farmer, they eventually realize they have eaten almost all of him except for his beard. The Bear suggests they eat the smallest among them next, prompting the Squirrel and Ermine to flee. The Wolf then identifies the Hare as the smallest, but the Hare escapes as well. The focus shifts to the Fox, who, realizing he is next, cleverly suggests they move to a more pleasant location before his demise. On the way up the hill, the Fox manipulates the situation by questioning who will be the smallest after him, causing the Wolf to panic at the thought of being next. The Wolf proposes a vote to establish friendship instead of cannibalism, which the Bear reluctantly agrees to, as he is outvoted. The three animals decide to live in harmony, abandoning their initial plan to eat one another. The story concludes with the animals forming a bond, highlighting themes of survival, cunning, and the importance of cooperation over conflict.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1936 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy