“And what would you do in return?” said the little bird, swinging upon a silver
spray, and flapping his tiny wings.
“I don’t understand you,” answered the Water-rat.
“Let me tell you a story on the subject,” said the Linnet.
“Is the story about me?” asked the Water-rat. “If so, I will listen to it, for I am
extremely fond of fiction.”
“It is applicable to you,” answered the Linnet; and he flew down, and alighting
upon the bank, he told the story of The Devoted Friend.
