The Fox and the Mosquitoes

A fox, after crossing a river, found its tail entangled in a bush and was unable to move. A number of mosquitoes, seeing its plight, settled upon it and enjoyed a good meal, undisturbed by the fox's predicament.

As luck would have it, a hedgehog happened to be strolling by and took pity on the fox. Approaching it, the hedgehog said, "You are in a bad way, neighbor. Shall I relieve you by driving off those mosquitoes that are sucking your blood?"

"Thank you, Master Hedgehog," replied the fox, "but I would rather not."

"Why is that?" asked the hedgehog, puzzled by the fox's response.

"Well, you see," the fox explained, "these mosquitoes have had their fill. If you drive them away, others will come with fresh appetites and bleed me to death."