"Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," said Daddy Sheep.
"And your own son?" exclaimed Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness; "how is he?"
"He is very well, I thank you," said Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house."
While the two fathers were gravely discussing the affairs of the country, the young Tiger and the young Sheep went out into the garden to play. After a while, Brother Tiger became so uneasy that he could scarcely keep still.
"Excuse me a moment," he said to Daddy Sheep, "I will return directly."
"Certainly, certainly!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "Do not stand on ceremony here."
At once Brother Tiger went out and whispered to his son:
"Be careful, my child! You must be very polite with the little Sheep, and do not get angry, or he will eat you up."
The Tiger went back to the house, and the two young friends returned to their play. Soon the young Tiger forgot the counsel of his father, and, during their frolic, he jumped on the little Sheep and tickled him. This made the little Sheep laugh and show his teeth.
"Why, what small teeth you have!" cried the little Tiger.
"They are all like that in my family," said the little Sheep, "and those of my father are not any longer."
This set the little Tiger to thinking, and as soon as the visit was ended he exclaimed, almost before Daddy Sheep's door was shut:
"Pappy, pappy! did you see the little Sheep's teeth? They are very short, and he says that those of all his family are no longer than his."
"Hush!" exclaimed Brother Tiger. "Speak low, you little rascal, or Daddy Sheep will hear you and eat us both."
Brother Tiger, however, who had a mind of his own, thought that there might be something in what his son had said, and the idea gave him pleasure. Daddy Sheep was so fat, and his flesh must therefore be so delicate and tender. For a long time the suggestion of the little Tiger worried Brother Tiger, and he was absorbed in deep thought. Finally, one day, he mustered up all his courage, and declared that he would taste the flesh of Daddy Sheep.
But, he thought to himself, how could he see Daddy Sheep's teeth? At last the opportunity presented itself, for Daddy Sheep and his son paid Brother Tiger a visit Brother Tiger received Daddy Sheep with the greatest politeness, and saluted him. He invited Daddy Sheep into his house, and begged him to make himself at home. For the refreshment of his guests Brother Tiger set out wine. The little Sheep drank some and went out to play; but Daddy Sheep, who was very fond of his glass, remained inside.