The Hare and the Buffalo

Harry Hare ran until he could run no more. He sat down by the side of the road and watched as Billy Buffalo lumbered by, not even turning to look at Harry.

"Hey, Billy," Harry yelled. "I hate to tell you this, but your left rear hoof is split again."

Billy Buffalo skidded to a stop, causing a large cloud of dust to rise from the road.

"Awww, come on, Harry. I know you're pulling my leg again. You did the same thing last year during the annual tri-animalon. There isn't anything wrong with my hoof. It feels okay to me."

"Okay, if that's what you want to think, you go right ahead and think it," said Harry in return. "But don't come crying to me when you're two miles from the finish line with a gimpy leg. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Billy sighed, and sat on the road. He lifted his rear leg up as high as he could, but couldn't see his rear hoof.

"Billy, if you lie down on your back, you will be able to see your hoof. You'll then know I'm telling you the truth," Harry said.
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Now, the first thing one must realize is Harry told the truth maybe twice in his life. The first time was an accident. He was at the local store, buying a bunch of carrots. The clerk, a slow talking Beaver named Bucky, told Harry the carrots cost one large tree limb, or two small ones.

Harry thought about the beaver's words for a minute, and said, "Bucky, you know I can't lift a tree limb, large or small."

Harry knew he should have told Bucky he would bring some small tree limbs later, and then claim he forgot. He had messed up.

Bucky, being the busy Beaver he was, walked Harry outside the store, across the street, and helped him carry a large tree limb back to the store.

The second time was the first and only time he lost the tri-animalon. Harry was so pleased with himself when he made it to the finals of the race, that when Polly Porcupine asked him where she could get some water, he forgot all about the race and told Polly, "I know where there is some very close. I'll get you some."

Needless to say, Harry went off to get the water for Polly, while Polly waddled down the road, chuckling to herself. She'd been fooled by Harry before, so she couldn't miss the chance to get back at him.
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Harry knew if Billy lay down on the road, the race was his.

Billy looked over at Harry and said, "Harry, how can I believe you? You tricked me last year, causing me to lose the race."

"This year is different, Billy. You should look at your hoof, and you will see."

So Billy Buffalo lay down and lifted his legs to look at his hoof. Harry immediately ran over and started to rub Billy's belly. It's a little known fact that if you rub a Buffalo's belly, he will fall asleep really quick.

Billy drifted off to sleep, and dreamt of green pastures filled with sweet grasses, while Harry took off running down the road to the finish line.

To his amazement, he was declared second in the race. It seems while Harry and Billy were arguing about Billy's hoof, Polly Porcupine snuck past them in the roadside ditch, and easily won the race. She was so happy; she didn't even point her quills at Harry when he crossed the finish line

Two hours later, when Billy Buffalo crossed the finish line, he was asked if he felt alright. He stated, "You bet. Feels like I've had me a real good nap. Why, did I win?"