The Dogs and the Crocodiles
Once upon a time, on the bank of a magnificent river where cool waters flowed with a roar, there lived cheerful dogs. In the deep and muddy waters of this wide river, cunning crocodiles hid with eyes always searching for prey. In the scorching heat the dogs had to go down to the riverside to quench their thirst. But because they knew the great danger in the water, they never stopped to drink calmly. While running quickly along the river, they would hastily gulp down a few mouthfuls of water. One day the largest and oldest crocodile of the river slowly raised his head from the reeds where he lay in ambush. He called out in a friendly tone to a clever dog that was running along the bank trying to drink.
"Why do you run in such a hurry, my dear friend?" the crocodile asked with sweet words. "Stop and drink your fill of this sweet water calmly; no one will harm you," he added. The dog was too experienced and too alert to be fooled by the crocodile's false courtesy. Without slowing his steps at all, he went on running along the bank of the river. Without taking his eyes off the crocodile's sharp teeth, he called out to him proudly. "I too would very much like to enjoy the warm water at my leisure," said the clever dog. "But I know your intention to make us into a tasty supper very well."
When the crocodile understood that his cunning plan had not worked, he churned the water in rage. The wise dog warned his other friends and stood at a safe distance from the bank. The dogs, noticing the hidden danger behind sweet words, never let go of their caution. So the sly dweller of the river had to sink into the deep, cold waters with an empty stomach. The brave dogs, having saved their lives, safely went on with their cheerful running. Not being fooled by the sweet words of enemies who look like friends is the greatest key to staying alive. Do not take everyone who smiles at you for a friend.