the young crab set out at once to call on the mortar, his father's old friend, and told him of all that had happened. he besought the mortar with tears to help him avenge his father's death. the mortar was very sorry when he heard the woful tale and promised at once to help the young crab punish the monkey to death. he warned him that he must be very careful in what he did, for the monkey was a strong and cunning enemy. the mortar now sent to fetch the bee and the chestnut (also the crab's old friends) to consult them about the matter. in a short time the bee and the chestnut arrived. when they were told all the details of the old crab's death and of the monkey's wickedness and greed, they both gladly consented to help the young crab in his revenge.