Now the man who had rescued the fox’s cub was a tradesman in good circumstances:  he had three or four agents and two maid-servants, besides men-servants; and altogether he lived in a liberal manner.  He was married, and this union had brought him one son, who had reached his tenth year, but had been attacked by a strange disease which defied all the physicians’ skill and drugs.  At last a famous physician prescribed the liver taken from a live fox, which, as he said, would certainly effect a cure.  If that were not forthcoming, the most expensive medicine in the world would not restore the boy to health.  When the parents heard this, they were at their wits’ end.  However, they told the state of the case to a man who lived on the mountains.  “Even though our child should die for it,” they said, “we will not ourselves deprive other creatures of their lives; but you, who live among the hills, are sure to hear when your neighbours go out fox-hunting.  We don’t care what price we might have to pay for a fox’s liver; pray, buy one for us at any expense.”  So they pressed him to exert himself on their behalf; and he, having promised faithfully to execute the commission, went his way.

In the night of the following day there came a messenger, who announced himself as coming from the person who had undertaken to procure the fox’s liver; so the master of the house went out to see him.

“I have come from Mr. So-and-so.  Last night the fox’s liver that you required fell into his hands; so he sent me to bring it to you.”  With these words the messenger produced a small jar, adding, “In a few days he will let you know the price.”

When he had delivered his message, the master of the house was greatly pleased and said, “Indeed, I am deeply grateful for this kindness, which will save my son’s life.”

Then the good wife came out, and received the jar with every mark of politeness.

“We must make a present to the messenger.”

“Indeed, sir, I’ve already been paid for my trouble.”

“Well, at any rate, you must stop the night here.”

“Thank you, sir:  I’ve a relation in the next village whom I have not seen for a long while, and I will pass the night with him;” and so he took his leave, and went away.

The parents lost no time in sending to let the physician know that they had procured the fox’s liver.  The next day the doctor came and compounded a medicine for the patient, which at once produced a good effect, and there was no little joy in the household.  As luck would have it, three days after this the man whom they had commissioned to buy the fox’s liver came to the house:  so the goodwife hurried out to meet him and welcome him.

“How quickly you fulfilled our wishes, and how kind of you to send at once!  The doctor prepared the medicine, and now our boy can get up and walk about the room; and it’s all owing to your goodness.”

“Wait a bit!” cried the guest, who did not know what to make of the joy of the two parents.  “The commission with which you entrusted me about the fox’s liver turned out to be a matter of impossibility, so I came to-day to make my excuses; and now I really can’t understand what you are so grateful to me for.”