Once upon a time there was a ferocious wolf in a jungle. Once he fell in a great trouble. As he was devouring a lamb, a tiny sharp bone stuck in his throat. And from that day on, he could swallow nothing except sips of water.
Though he tried every remedy he knew, he was unable to dislodge the bone. In despair, the wolf started to ask everyone he knew for help. But his reputation was not good and the other animals of the jungle used to avoid the wolf. One day, a fox advised the wolf to meet with a crane that used to live down at the end of the big pond. She was the best doctor in the area.
However, the wolf went to the crane and said, "Mrs. Crane, I know that you are a famous doctor. If you can help me, I'll give you a rich reward!" At first, the crane was afraid to see the wolf. It felt very proud after hearing the wolf’s speech. It was also attracted too by the promise of a reward. So the crane agreed to treat the wolf. The wolf opened wide his huge mouth. The crane shuddered after seeing the red jaws and the sharp fangs of the wolf. But plucking up her courage, she said: "Now, please keep your mouth wide open, or I won't be able to remove the bone!" The crane poked her long beak down the wolf’s throat and pulled out the little bone within a very short time. "There! You can close your mouth now. You'll be able to swallow whatever you like now!" The wolf could hardly believe it. His throat was clear at last! Highly delighted, the crane said: "See how clever I am? You didn't feel a thing! I whipped out that nasty bone with my long beak! Now my reward." The wolf interrupted with a scowl. "Reward? What reward? You ought to be grateful that I didn't bite your head off while it was down my throat! Rather you should give me a reward for sparing your life!" Seeing the wolf’s bloodshot eyes, the crane realized what more could she expect from such a wicked wolf? She vowed that, from then on, she'd not repeat such foolishness.
