A fox, while swimming across a rapid river, was swept by the current into a deep ravine. He lay there for a long time, badly bruised, sick, and unable to move. A swarm of hungry, blood-sucking flies settled on him.
A hedgehog, passing by, saw the fox's anguish and asked if he should drive the tormenting flies away.
"By no means," replied the fox. "Please do not disturb them."
"How is this?" said the hedgehog. "Do you not wish to be rid of them?"
"No," returned the fox. "These flies you see are already full of blood and sting me but little. If you rid me of these satiated ones, other, hungrier flies will come in their place and drink up all the blood I have left."