The Hare and the Crocodile's Rock

During the dry season, the river shrank, leaving only a few pools. Tsuro the Hare wanted to get to the delicious reeds on the other side, but a huge Crocodile guarded the crossing. Tsuro went to the Crocodile and said, "Great Crocodile, the river is drying up! Soon you will have no water. I know a secret rain-making song. If you allow me to cross on your back, I will sing it for you." The Crocodile agreed. As the Hare rode on his back, he sang nonsense rhymes. When he got to the other side, he hopped off and laughed. "I tricked you, Mr. Crocodile! There is no rain song!" The Crocodile was furious. Later, the Hare wanted to cross back. He saw what looked like a floating log and hopped on it. But it was not a log; it was the Crocodile, who had disguised himself. The Crocodile immediately swam to the middle of the river and began to sink. "Now I have you!" he hissed. The Hare, thinking fast, shouted, "You are a fool! You can eat me, but you won't get the real prize! I have hidden a fat goat for my dinner just over there on the riverbank!" The greedy Crocodile, thinking of a bigger meal, let the Hare go so he could find the goat. The Hare swam to safety, having tricked the Crocodile a second time with a quick lie.