– Yes, sir, – said Zoe, saluting with her hoof.
Mitya took a small cart, put a bucket and a water jug on it, and they set off on their journey.
As they walked, they saw a mole sticking its head out of the ground.
– Who’s passing by? – asked the mole.
– It’s Mitya the kid and his little sister, Zoe, – answered Mitya.
– Mitya, can you tell me what day it is? – asked the mole.
– It was Tuesday this morning. Don’t you know? – asked Mitya.
– I’m blind, so I often get confused about the calendar, – answered the mole.
– Then you need to see a doctor, – advised Mitya.
– No, it runs in the family. My ancestors were always blind, too, – said the mole.
– Maybe you should buy glasses. You might get your sight back, – asked Mitya.
– That’s a good idea. I should think about it, – answered the mole.
They went on, and Mitya saw a giant snake climbing up a tree to feast on the baby birds that were sitting on the branch in their nest.
– Get down from there right now, or you’ll be sorry! – yelled Mitya.
– Who are you? – asked the snake.
– I’m Mitya the kid – protector of all the weak and defenseless, – replied Mitya.
– You’re a protector! Ha! Ha! Ha! You look at yourself. If I get down from here, you won’t like what happens to you, – hissed the snake.
Zoe hid behind the cart and trembled with fear.
Mitya looked around for something, anything, that could help him in this battle with the snake. He saw a long stick. As the snake descended to the right distance, Mitya hit it several times with the stick. The snake fell, hissed, and slithered away.
– Thank you, kid, I don’t forget kindness, – said a titmouse.
He went over to Zoe, hugged her, and asked,
– You were scared?
– I was scared, – said Zoe.
– Don’t worry, I’m your brother, so I won’t let anyone bully you, – said the kid.
They reached the well and started to get water. Once they had filled the jug and the bucket, they rested a little and then set off back home.
On their way back, a bear came toward them.
– So, this is the tough guy who’s shown up in the forest. Well, well, well, – said the bear.
– Yes, I am. What about it? – asked the kid.
– I’ve heard about your heroic deeds. That fox is still at home taking headache pills. Do you mind sharing your water with me? – asked the bear.
– No, you can have it, – said Mitya, and gave him the bucket of water.
The bear drank his fill and said,
– You’re a good guy. Brave, honest, noble. I like you, and just because I like you, I offer you my friendship. If you’re ever in trouble, just call on me. I’ll always come to your aid, – said the bear.
– And you won’t eat us now? – asked Zoe, scared.
– What, sweetie? There’s enough normal food in this forest. I don’t go hungry. You go home. Your mom is probably waiting for you, – said the bear, and went away.
Mitya continued driving the cart with water when he saw a raccoon hiding in the bushes. Mitya asked him,
– Who are you hiding from, raccoon?
– Well, I promised the boar I’d help him with his chores, but I didn’t come. Now I’m afraid he’s going to make a cutlet out of me, – said the raccoon.
– You need to keep your word. Don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of everything, – said Mitya, stepping out of the bushes with the raccoon.
Just then, the boar came running to the raccoon, all angry. He said,
– So, that’s how you treat me! I come to you with an open heart, and you don’t even come to help me.
– Sorry, boar, but he was busy. I asked him to help me get some water. That’s why he agreed. Not right away, though. He said he’d made an agreement with you, but I told him to help me first. Then we’d help you with your chores. So forgive him. It’s my fault, – said Mitya.
– So what should we do now? – asked the boar.
– Nothing, he’s now free, so he’s at your disposal. Don’t be angry at us, it’s better to drink some of my water. It’s clean, from the well, – said Mitya.
He drank the water, calmed down, and said,
– Thank you, kid, the water is really good. I got a little angry, but I don’t hold any grudges against you. Well, raccoon, let’s get to work? – said the boar.
– Of course, boar, whatever you say, – answered the raccoon, winking at the kid.
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