The tiger, the man and the jackal

Once upon a time, a tiger was caught in a trap. He tried in vain to get out through the bars, and rolled with rage and grief when he failed. By chance a poor Man came by. Let me out of this cage, please! cried the tiger.No, my friend, replied the Man calmly, you will probably eat me if I did.Not at all! swore the tiger; on the contrary, I shall be forever grateful. 

Now when the tiger sobbed and sighed, the Man's heart melted, and at last he agreed to open the door of the cage. Out popped the tiger, and, seizing the poor man, cried, What a fool you are! What is to prevent me eating you now, for I am just terribly hungry!. 

In vain the Man pleaded for his life. The tiger said ok. You can talk to someone who passes by. If they say I am doing wrong, I will let you go and eat them instead. Soon after a jackal came by. Looking at the man he asked, What's the matter, Man? You look as miserable as a fish out of water!. 

The Man told him all that had happened. How very confusing! said the jackal, when the recital was ended; would you mind telling me over again, for everything has got so mixed up?. The Man told it all over again, but the jackal shook his head in a distracted sort of way, and still could not understand.

It's very odd, said he, sadly. I will go to the place where it all happened, and then perhaps I shall be able to give a judgment.So they returned to the cage.You've been taking a long time! growled the beast, but now let us begin our dinner. Give me five minutes, my lord! he pleaded, in order that I may explain matters to the jackal here, who is somewhat slow in his wits.The tiger consented, and the Man began the whole story over again, not missing a single detail.Oh, my poor brain! oh, my poor brain! cried the jackal, wringing its paws. 

Let me see! how did it all begin? You were in the cage, and the tiger came walking by—No! interrupted the tiger, what a fool you are! I was in the cage. Of course! cried the jackal, pretending to tremble with fright; yes! I was in the cage—no I wasn't—dear! dear! where are my wits? Let me see—the tiger was in the Man, and the cage came walking by—no, that's not it, either! Well, don't mind me, but begin your dinner, for I shall never understand!. At this the tiger lost patience, and, jumping into the cage, cried,This way! 

Now do you understand how it was? Perfectly! grinned the jackal, as he quickly shut the door, and if you will permit me to say so, I think matters will remain as they were!

 After the jackal cleverly trapped the tiger back in the cage, the poor man was filled with relief and gratitude. He realized how foolish it had been to trust a wild animal like the tiger. The man thanked the jackal profusely, and the jackal, with a sly grin, nodded in satisfaction.