` And even if they were finished , there would always be ME to eat . ' ` Well , I will come . Lead the way , but I warn you that if you try to escape or play any tricks you are reckoning without your host -- that is to say , without my legs , which are as long as yours ! ' All was silent in the village , and not a light was to be seen but that of the moon , which shone bright and clear in the sky . The wolf and the fox crept softly along , when suddenly they stopped and looked at each other ; a savoury smell of frying bacon reached their noses , and reached the noses of the sleeping dogs , who began to bark greedily . ` Is it safe to go on , think you ? ' asked the wolf in a whisper . And the fox shook her head . ` Not while the dogs are barking , ' said she ; ` someone might come out to see if anything was the matter . ' And she signed to the wolf to curl himself up in the shadow beside her . In about half an hour the dogs grew tired of barking , or perhaps the bacon was eaten up and there was no smell to excite them . Then the wolf and the fox jumped up , and hastened to the foot of the wall . ' I am lighter than he is , ' thought the fox to herself , ` and perhaps if I make haste I can get a start , and jump over the wall on the other side before he manages to spring over this one . ' And she quickened her pace . But if the wolf could not run he could jump , and with one bound he was beside his companion . ` What were you going to do , comrade ? ' ` Oh , nothing , ' replied the fox , much vexed at the failure of her plan . ' I think if I were to take a bit out of your haunch you would jump better , ' said the wolf , giving a snap at her as he spoke . The fox drew back uneasily . ` Be careful , or I shall scream , ' she snarled .
And the wolf , understanding all that might happen if the fox carried out her threat , gave a signal XXXXX his companion to leap on the wall , where he immediately followed her .
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