Read the passage “What the Hedgehog Taught the Cagey Fox” before answering Numbers 1 through 10.
What the Hedgehog Taught the Cagey Fox
There was once a very cagey fox. He often boasted that he had more wits than any creature around. The cagey fox had a never-ending appetite for chicken, but the only poultry1 farm around was protected by a complex system of fences, locks, and traps. The cagey fox was not discouraged by the owner's attempts to keep him out. One evening, he made a close examination of the perimeter of the farm and found a rocky area where the fence was not fastened to the ground. In an instant, he slipped under the fence. Once inside, he ate his fill of chickens and slipped back out unnoticed. As he trotted home, well fed and content, he congratulated himself on his exceptional cleverness.
The next evening, the Fox planned to feast in similar style. On his way to the poultry farm, he met Hedgehog and invited him to come along. Fox believed himself to be far superior to Hedgehog in wits and charm, but his cunning feats were much more satisfying when he had an audience.
Hedgehog shook his head. “The poultry farm is fenced and secured with many types of locks. It is impossible to get to the chickens,” he insisted.
“Perhaps for most creatures,” said Fox, “but not for me. Last night I entered at will and ate as much as I pleased.”
Hedgehog was wiser than Fox realized and said, “Surely, the owner of the farm has noticed the missing chickens by now. Don't you think he will have taken steps to prevent you from repeating your crime?”
“Try as he might, I will outwit him every time,” boasted Fox. “Come along and see.”
Hedgehog was reluctant to go, but Fox convinced him that he would see cleverness in action. Fox led Hedgehog to the location where he had sneaked in before. Suddenly, Fox and Hedgehog tumbled into a deep, dark pit with steep sides. The owner had, indeed, laid a new trap especially for Fox!
“What elegant surroundings,” said Hedgehog, wryly. “I would never have had the opportunity to see this lovely place without your kind invitation.”
Fox scowled. “Stop mocking me and think of a way for us to get out. Some say you are wise, and here's your chance to show it.”
“Me? Wise? Oh, no, I am quite simple and uninspired. In fact, now that I truly comprehend that we are trapped, I feel I may be sick or perhaps faint.”
“I should have known better than to bring you. The last thing I need is a sick hedgehog. What I need is a friend with some good sense. Be gone, foolish little fellow, and let me think!” With that, Fox tossed Hedgehog skyward.
Hedgehog landed safely outside the pit, brushed himself off, and peered back down at Fox. “Hmmm, you do not look so wise from here. One of us has gotten himself out of the pit, but it is not the fellow who prides himself on cleverness.”
Fox realized how foolish he looked and sank into despair. “Hedgehog, I admit that you are the wiser one. Have pity on me and help me out of this pit, I beseech you!”
Seeing that Fox had learned his lesson, Hedgehog came up with a plan to free Fox from the pit. “When you hear the owner coming, pretend to be dead. The owner will not want a fox there because it would scare his chickens, so he is sure to pull you out and toss you away.”
What happened next was exactly as Hedgehog had described. As soon as Fox was thrown out of the pit, he ran for his life.
From that day on, Fox no longer boasted about himself. He always consulted Hedgehog on matters that called for good sense. By a lucky coincidence, Fox suddenly lost his taste for chicken. He declared that he much preferred the delicious offerings of the forest.
1poultry: a group of birds that include chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese
