However , let us see what this village can produce . I am as hungry as a schoolmaster . ' Now , while these thoughts were running through the mind of the wolf , the very fox he had been thinking of was galloping along the other road . ` The whole of this day I have listened to those village hens clucking till I could bear it no longer , ' murmured she as she bounded along , hardly seeming to touch the ground . ` When you are fond of fowls and eggs it is the sweetest of all music . As sure as there is a sun in heaven I will have some of them this night , for I have grown so thin that my very bones rattle , and my poor babies are crying for food . ' And as she spoke she reached a little plot of grass , where the two roads joined , and flung herself under a tree to take a little rest , and to settle her plans . At this moment the wolf came up . At the sight of the fox lying within his grasp his mouth began to water , but his joy was somewhat checked when he noticed how thin she was . The fox 's quick ears heard the sound of his paws , though they were soft as velvet , and turning her head she said politely : ` Is that you , neighbour ? What a strange place to meet in ! I hope you are quite well ? ' ` Quite well as regards my health , ' answered the wolf , whose eye glistened greedily , ` at least , as well as one can be when one is very hungry . But what is the matter with you ? A fortnight ago you were as plump as heart could wish ! ' ' I have been ill -- very ill , ' replied the fox , ` and what you say is quite true . A worm is fat in comparison with me . ' ` He is . Still , you are good enough for me ; for `` to the hungry no bread is hard . '' ' ` Oh , you are always joking !
I 'm sure you are not half XXXXX hungry as I ! '
as at for in of through till to while within