The truthful dove

Once upon a time, a dove and a bat were very good friends. One day the two friends decided to set out on a journey. They flew over the rivers and hills and came to a big jungle. Both the friends were very tired, they needed to sit down and take a rest. Soon night fell and it was dark all around. A storm rose. It started to rain heavily. The dove and the bat started to look for a shelter. They came upon a century-old rain tree. An owl had his nest in that tree. The dove and the bat knocked at the owl’s door. The old grumpy owl opened the door. The dove and the bat requested him to give them shelter. The owl unwillingly let them in. The two birds were hungry too. They begged for some food. The selfish owl was not happy. However, he shared his dinner with them. The dove was so tired that she could hardly eat. But the bat was sly. He ate greedily. He began to praise the owl with the thought of getting more food. The bat said, "O wise and brave owl, you are the most generous person I have ever seen. You are powerful and mighty." The owl was very pleased at the bat’s flattery. He puffed and ruffled himself, trying to look as wise and brave as possible. Then he turned to the dove and asked, “Now little dove, what do you think about me?”