The Bear and the cunning Fox!

Once upon a time, the Silbaripuram forest was teeming with animals. In those days, a fox used to roam around as a close companion to a bear.

Usually, whenever they found food, they would share a portion of it. One day, the bear spotted giant honeybees nesting in a large tree and climbed to the top. When he came down with the honeycombs, the fox followed him closely.

"I am craving this badly. I also want a share of that honeycomb," the fox said.

Without any hesitation, the bear cut off a piece and gave it to him. The fox went away happily with his share.

The Betrayal

Another day, the bear was wandering in search of food but couldn't find anything substantial. Suddenly, the sharp smell of fresh rabbit meat hit his nostrils. Following the scent, he walked a distance and ended up at the rocky crevice where the fox lived.

"Aha! Saved at last. I’m sure to get a share of that rabbit meat!" the bear thought.

However, the fox had already seen the bear approaching. He quickly hid the meat inside and, pretending as if nothing had happened, wiped his blood-stained face and paws before stepping out of the cave.

The bear said, "Arre, I am very hungry. Please give me a little bit of the rabbit meat you got."

Immediately, the fox burst out laughing. "Rabbit meat? I have forgotten the last time I even ate a rabbit! Anyway, rabbits are scarce in this forest. How would I get one? Moreover, I have been starving for the past two days."

The Lesson

As the bear walked away in disappointment, he muttered to himself, "It seems he forgot that a bear has a very strong sense of smell. He hid the meat and cheated me; I must teach him a lesson."

The bear then went searching for a large hornet’s nest. Finally, he carefully removed a nest from a hollow tree without disturbing it and returned to the fox’s den.

"My dear friend, I have brought some first-class honey to end your hunger. Go inside the cave and eat it where no one can see you!"

With great joy and greed, the fox rushed into the dark cave and thrust his paw forcefully into the tree hollow. Instantly, the hornets attacked him in a swarm. Screaming in pain, the fox bolted away to a far-off place.

Seeing this, the bear had a hearty laugh. The fox was never seen in those parts ever again.