The Chipmunk had planted a few ears of corn in the spring. Now, in fall, they were ready to be harvested. He asked the Muskrat for help. "I'll give you a couple of pounds if you'll help me bring in my crop," he said. A Crow in the sky called down to the Muskrat. "You want corn?" he cawed. "Across the mountain are acres of tall green stalks bursting with ripe corn. Field after field is ready for your dinner." The Muskrat turned to his friend. "Why should I work for a couple of pounds when I can have a couple of tons? I know you mean well, but I've got to look out for myself. I'm going!" The Muskrat traveled several days. His feet were blistered and bloody. He was hungry and thirsty, and his whole body ached. At last he reached the other side of the mountain. Just as the Crow had promised, there were fields and fields of tall green stalks. But there was no corn on them. The corn had been picked already. There were, however, some stray ears lying about. The Muskrat put them in his sack and ate them on his long walk back to the Chipmunk's house.
Moral: Two pounds of sure are worth two tons of promise.
