Once, the Wolf swallowed a bone that became stuck in his throat. In extreme pain, and afraid that he would choke to death, the Wolf begged the other animals to help him, promising a great reward to the one who removed the bone from his throat. The other animals were wary, and refused to help.

At last the Crane took pity on the Wolf, and believing his solemn oath to reward, she thrust her long neck into his mouth and pulled out the bone with her beak.

‘There you are, it’s out,’ she said to the Wolf, throwing the bone upon the ground. ‘Now give me the reward that you have promised.’

The Wolf stared at the Crane in surprise. ‘What reward?’ he exclaimed. ‘I must say, you are an ungrateful bird! I let you put your head in my mouth and didn’t eat you, and you still ask for a reward!’

And off went the Wolf, grinning slyly to himself.

He who helps the dishonest and expects a reward for his help, commits a twofold mistake:
first, because he assists the undeserving, and second, because in helping he puts himself at great risk.