One day a hare was telling the other animals how fast he could run. 'I can beat any one!' cried he. 'Will one of you try a race with me?' 'I will,' said the tortoise. 'You?' laughed the hare. 'Oh, oh, how funny!' 'Save your laughing for the end of the race,' said the tortoise. So a starting line was made, and away they went. The hare ran fast and was soon far ahead, so he sat down to rest. By the time the tortoise came up, the hare was sleeping. On and on went the tortoise, and when the hare looked up at last, it was too late. There sat the tortoise by the sign that said: The End.