Drakestail was very little. But, tiny as he was, he had brains, for having begun with nothing he amassed a hundred crowns.

Now the King of the country made a personal visit to borrow his hoard. And, my word, Drakestail was more than a little proud of having lent money to the King! But after the first and second year, seeing they never even paid the interest, he became uneasy and resolved to go and see his Majesty.

So one fine morning Drakestail very spruce and fresh, headed down the road singing "Quack, quack, quack, when shall I get my money back?"

He had not gone far when he met his friend Fox. "Good-morning, neighbor," says friend Fox, "Where are you off to so early?"

"I am going to see the King for what he owes me."

"Oh! take me with thee!"

Drakestail said to himself, "One can't have too many friends." "I will," said he. "But make yourself quite small, get into my throat, go into my gizzard, and I will carry you."

"Happy thought!" said friend Fox.

He takes bag and baggage, and presto, he was gone like a letter into the post. Drakestail was off again, singing "Quack, quack, quack, when shall I get my money back?"

He had not gone far when he met his lady friend Ladder leaning on her wall. "Good-morning, my duckling," says the lady friend, "Where are you going so boldly?"

"I am going to see the King for what he owes me."

"Oh, take me with thee!" said friend Ladder.

Drakestail said to himself, "One can't have too many friends." I will!" said he. "But with your wooden legs you will soon be tired. Make yourself quite small, get into my throat, go into my gizzard, and I will carry you."

"Happy thought!" said friend Ladder. Nimbly, her bag and baggage goes to keep company with friend Fox. "Quack, quack, quack," Drakestail is off again, singing.