AFTER waiting many a weary day to revenge himself upon a Lion for
some unconsidered manifestation of contempt, a Skunk finally saw
him coming, and posting himself in the path ahead uttered the
inaudible discord of his race.  Observing that the Lion gave no
attention to the matter, the Skunk, keeping carefully out of reach,
said:

  "Sir, I beg leave to point out that I have set on foot an
implacable odour."

  "My dear fellow," the Lion replied, "you have taken a needless
trouble; I already knew that you were a Skunk."