Of Stars and Ink-Stained Things

On a hot summer day in the plains of Africa, all the antelope got together to discuss a way to rid themselves of their mortal enemy, the Cheetah. The Cheetah was constantly trying to run them down. They were always afraid that one day he would catch up to them.

They talked for two hours but no one had a suitable idea. They had just about given up all hope when a young antelope stood up. "I have an idea," he said, "that I think will work. Everyone stopped talking to listen to the antelope. This is what he said. "If we tie a thin string between two trees, and dig a hole deep enough that the Cheetah could not escape, someone can attract his attention, then run away, acting as bait. The Cheetah will chase the 'bait' who would be running straight towards our well-hidden trap. The bait, being a good jumper, will jump, at the last minute over the trap to the other side safely, while the Cheetah, caught off guard, will trip and land in the hole. Thus freeing us of our enemy."

The animal had been silent while the antelope had told his plan. Now they erupted with cheers and hurrahs, each wishing that he had thought of such a novel idea himself. All of a sudden, in the midst of their revelries, and old antelope stood up and motioned for silence. "I think, "he said, "that the young one's plan would work in certain circumstances. I have but one question: who will be the bait??

Moral: It is a different thing matter to suggest an idea, than to carry it out yourself.

The End.