But the fox was comfortable where he was , and did not hurry himself to take his tail 's advice . And before very long he found he was too late , for the bear had come round by another path , and guessing where his enemy was began to scratch at the roots of the tree . The fox made himself as small as he could , but a scrap of his tail peeped out , and the bear seized it and held it tight . Then the fox dug his claws into the ground , but he was not strong enough to pull against the bear , and slowly he was dragged forth and his body flung over the bear 's neck . In this manner they set out down the road , the fox 's tail being always in the bear 's mouth . After they had gone some way , they passed a tree-stump , on which a bright coloured woodpecker was tapping . ` Ah ! those were better times when I used to paint all the birds such gay colours , ' sighed the fox . ` What are you saying , old fellow ? ' asked the bear . ` I ? Oh , I was saying nothing , ' answered the fox drearily . ` Just carry me to your cave and eat me up as quick as you can . ' The bear was silent , and thought of his supper ; and the two continued their journey till they reached another tree with a woodpecker tapping on it . ` Ah ! those were better times when I used to paint all the birds such gay colours , ' said the fox again to himself . ` Could n't you paint me too ? ' asked the bear suddenly . But the fox shook his head ; for he was always acting , even if no one was there to see him do it . ` You bear pain so badly , ' he replied , in a thoughtful voice , ` and you are impatient besides , and could never put up with all that is necessary .
Why , you would first have to dig a pit , and then twist ropes of willow , and drive XXXXX posts and fill the hole with pitch , and , last of all , set it on fire .
besides by down in into of on till to with