A dog was lying in the sun before a farmyard gate when a wolf pounced upon him and was about to eat him. The dog begged for his life, saying, "Look how thin I am. I'd make a poor meal now. But if you wait a few days, my master is giving a feast. I'll get all the rich scraps and become nice and fat. Then I'll be a much better meal for you."
The wolf agreed to the plan and left. Some time later, he returned to the farmyard and found the dog lying safely out of reach on the stable roof.
"Come down," called the wolf, "and be eaten. Remember our agreement?"
But the dog replied coolly, "My friend, if you ever catch me lying by that gate again, don't wait for any feast."