60 Nature Myths and Stories.

This time he lost so much salt that his master
was angry, for he was obliged to go back to the
seashore for another load.

As they were walking along, the merchant
laughed to himself.

He thought he knew a way to cure the donkey
of this trick.

When they came to the seashore, he filled the
bags with sponges, and started for home.

The donkey thought, “What a light load | have,”
and trotted gaily along over the rough road. -

Again they came to the brook. “Ah!” thought
the donkey, “I will make my load still lighter.”

He lay down in the middle of the brook.

This time he found his load so heavy that he
could scarcely rise.

His master kindly helped him, but the donkey
was not happy. ;

_ The water ran down his sides and made him
more miserable,

“Oh,” thought he, “I will never lie down in the
water again.”

Once more his master led him back to the sea-
shore.

He filled the bags with salt.

' The donkey was wiser now and carried the salt
safely home.