A lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little mouse came upon him unexpectedly. The lion suddenly awoke and placed his huge paw upon the mouse.
"Spare me!" begged the poor mouse. "Please let me go. Someday I will repay you."
The lion was amused. "How could a little mouse help a great lion?" he thought. But he lifted his paw and let the mouse go.
A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter's net. He roared loudly. The mouse heard the roar and came running.
"I will help you," said the mouse. He began to gnaw at the ropes. Soon the lion was free.
"You were right, little mouse," said the lion. "Even a small friend can be a great help."