Monkey gave them to Jackal, and all three started off to court.  When they arrived, there sat Lion on the throne.  Seated around were the other animals of the jungle.

Monkey told his story first.  Standing in front of the throne, he made a low bow and said, “The great famine, my lord, drove me out of my country, and I had to take refuge with my uncle.  When I started back home, he gave me this bow and arrow.  Finding Wolf almost starving, I shot a deer for him.  Instead of being grateful for the food, he tried to rob me of the bow and arrow.  I am here to ask that you restore them to me.”

“He does not tell the truth,” cried Wolf.

Then Jackal said, “I believe that the bow and arrow belong to Wolf; he and Monkey were quarreling about them when I came along.  They agreed to leave the question to you, King Lion.  I know you will see that justice is done.”

Wolf looked very innocent and said nothing.

King Lion rose and asked, “What say you?  To whom do the bow and arrow belong?”

“To Wolf,” they all cried.

“Stealing is a crime that must be punished,” said King Lion.  “What shall be done?”

“Let Monkey be hanged,” they all cried.

Monkey still had his magic fiddle.  Holding it in his hand, he made a deep bow and said:  “Give me leave to play a tune on my fiddle before I hang, O King.”

Now, the beasts all loved a merry tune, and knowing that Monkey was a master player they called out, “Let him play.”

III

Monkey placed the fiddle under his chin, drew the bow across the strings, and struck up “Cockcrow.”  This was a favorite tune with the court.  At the first notes all nodded their heads in time to the music.  As Monkey played on, the entire court began to dance.

Round and round they went like a whirlwind.  Over and over, quicker and quicker sounded the tune of “Cockcrow.”  Faster and faster flew the dancers, until one after another fell to the ground worn out.

Monkey saw nothing of all this.  With eyes closed and his head placed lovingly against the fiddle, he played on and on, keeping time with his foot.

Wolf was the first one to cry out, “Please stop, Cousin Monkey.  For pity’s sake, stop.”

But Monkey did not seem to hear him.  Again and again sounded the magic notes of “Cockcrow.”

King Lion had gone round and round with his young wife so many times that both were ready to drop.  At last, as he passed Monkey, he roared, “Stop, ape!  My whole kingdom is yours if you will only stop playing.”

“I do not want it,” said Monkey.  “Make Wolf confess that he tried to steal my bow and arrow.  Then I will stop playing.”

“I confess!  I confess!” panted Wolf, who was ready to fall to the ground.

“Good,” cried King Lion, as the music stopped.  “Monkey is innocent.  Let him have his bow and arrow.”