The Bat and the House-Ferrets

A bat fell to the ground and was caught by a house-ferret. Realising that she was on the point of being killed, she begged for her life.

The house-ferret said to her that she could not let her go, for ferrets were supposed to be natural enemies to all birds.

The bat replied that she herself was not a bird, but a mouse. She managed to extricate herself from her danger by this means.

Eventually, falling a second time, the bat was caught by another house-ferret. Again she pleaded to the ferret not to eat her.

The second ferret declared that she absolutely detested all mice.

But the bat positively affirmed that she was not a mice but a bat. And so she was released again.

And that was how she saved herself from death twice by a mere change of name.

This story shows that it is not always necessary to confine ourselves to the same tactics. But, on the contrary, if we are adaptable to circumstances we can better escape danger.