A rich man in a certain town once owned a dog and a cat, both of which were very useful to him. The dog had served his master for many years and had become so old that he had lost his teeth and was unable to fight any more, but he was a good guide and companion to the cat who was strong and cunning.  
The master had a daughter who was attending school at a convent some distance from home, and very often he sent the dog and the cat with presents to the girl.
 
One day he called the faithful animals and bade them carry a magic ring to his daughter.
 
“You are strong and brave,” he said to the cat “You may carry the ring, but you must be careful not to drop it”
 
And to the dog he said: “You must accompany the cat to guide her and keep her from harm.”
 
They promised to do their best, and started out. All went well until they came to a river. As there was neither bridge nor boat, there was no way to cross but to swim.
 
“Let me take the magic ring,” said the dog as they were about to plunge into the water.
 
“Oh, no,” replied the cat, “the master gave it to me to carry.” [211]
 
“But you cannot swim well,” argued the dog. “I am strong and can take good care of it.”
 
But the cat refused to give up ............