A mighty Lion was sleeping in his lair when he was awakened by a tiny Mouse running across his body. The Lion grabbed the frightened creature with his huge paws and opened his mouth to swallow him. “Please, O King,” cried the Mouse, “spare me this time and I shall never forget your kindness. Someday I may be able to repay you.” The Lion was so amused by this idea that he let the poor creature go.

Sometime later the Lion was caught in a net laid by some clever hunters. Despite his great strength, the Lion could not break free. Soon the forest echoed with angry roars.

The little Mouse heard the Lion and ran to see what was wrong. As soon as he saw Lion, he began to gnaw away the ropes, and before long he set the Lion free. “There!” said the Mouse proudly, “You laughed at me when I promised to repay your kindness, but now you know that even a tiny Mouse can help a mighty Lion.”

Moral: Little friends may prove to be great friends.