The Monkeys and the Oyster.

Manawatu Herald, 6 August 1898, Page 4

The Monkeys and the Oyster.

Two hungry monkeys were once journeying along the seashore when they came across a fine large oyster. "This belongs to mo, " said one monkey, quickly picking it up. "Oh, no, my friend," replied the other. "It is really mine, for I saw it before you did." They then began to quarrel and fight about it whon a fox happened to pass that way. "Shanio upon you both," sn id roynard. "Why aro you thus trying to kill one another? Let mo know what is the matter." Tho monkeys thereupon ceased their fighting nnd begged tho fox to decide the c&so, which ho at once agreed to do. •'lmust first find out," said the fox, breaking opou the oyster, "whether thero be any meat inside." When ho had satisfied himself on this point, he seated himself upon a big stone and tried to look as wise as possible. He then took up ouo of tho shells, and presenting it to tho monkey on his right hand he said gravely, "This portion rightly belongs to you for seeing tho oyster first," and taking up the other shell ho gavo it to the monkey on his left hand, saying, "This belongs to you, of course, for you had the good fortune to pick it up." Then, before they were awaro oi what ho' was doing, ho swallowed tho wholo of tho oystor, and in the next moment remarked, "I daro say you know that a judge earns his living id the same way as other folk, so tho inside was due to me for deciding your difflooltcase." Tho moral of this little fablo can be safely left to the intelligence of young folks, with the 6lnglo remark that disputes abound in this world.