a bat who fell upon the ground and was caught by a weasel pleaded　to be spared his life. the weasel refused, saying that he was by　ature the enemy of all birds. the bat assured him that he was　ot a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free. shortly　afterwards the bat again fell to the ground and was caught by　another weasel, whom he likewise entreated not to eat him. the　weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice. the bat　assured him that he was not a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second　time escaped. it is wise to turn circumstances to good account.