An Ass and a Fox had become close comrades, and were constantly in each other's company. While the Ass cropped a fresh bit of greens, the Fox would devour a chicken from the neighboring farmyard or a bit of cheese filched from the dairy. One day the pair unexpectedly met a Lion. The Ass was very much frightened, but the Fox calmed his fears.  
"I will talk to him," he said.
 
So the Fox walked boldly up to the Lion.
 
"Your highness," he said in an undertone, so the Ass could not hear him, "I've got a fine scheme i............