by Arnold Lobel
Two Duck sisters were waddling down the road to the pond for their morning swim.
"This is a good road," said the first sister, "but I think, just for a change, we should find another route. There are many other roads that lead to the pond."
"No," said the second sister, "I do not agree. I really do not want to try a new way. This road makes me feel comfortable. I am accustomed to it."
One morning the Ducks met a Fox sitting on a fence along the road.
"Good morning, ladies," said the Fox. "On your way to the pond,
I suppose?"
"Oh, yes," said the sisters, "we come along here every day."
"Interesting," said the Fox with a toothy smile.
When the sun came up the next morning, the first sister said, "We are sure to meet that Fox again if we go our usual way. I did not like his looks. Today is the day that we must find another road!"
"You are being just plain silly," said the second sister. "That Fox smiled at us. He seemed most gentlemanly."
The two Ducks waddled down the same road to the pond. There was the Fox, sitting on the fence. This time he carried a sack.
"Lovely ladies," said the Fox, "I was expecting you. I am glad that you have not disappointed me."
Opening his sack, he jumped upon them.
The sisters quacked and screamed. They flapped and flopped their wings. They flew home and bolted their door.
The next morning, the two Ducks did not go out. They rested at home to quiet their nerves. On the following day they carefully searched for a new and different road. They found one, and it took them safely to the pond.