Again and again he struck at her with his claws , but the donkey could bite too , as well as the lion , who was very weak after his illness , and at last a well-planted kick knocked him right over , and he rolled on the floor , groaning with pain . The donkey did not wait for him to get up , but ran away as fast as she could and was lost in the forest . ` Now the hare , who knew quite well what would happen , had not gone to do her business , but hid herself in some bushes behind the cave , where she could hear quite clearly the sounds of the battle . When all was quiet again she crept gently out , and stole round the corner . ' `` Well , lion , have you killed her ? '' asked she , running swiftly up the path . ' `` Killed her , indeed ! '' answered the lion sulkily , `` it is she who has nearly killed me . I never knew a donkey could kick like that , though I took care she should carry away the marks of my claws . '' ' `` Dear me ! Fancy such a great fat creature being able to fight ! '' cried the hare . `` But do n't vex yourself . Just lie still , and your wounds will soon heal , '' and she bade her friend , good bye , and returned to her family . ` Two or three weeks passed , and only bare places on the donkey 's back showed where the lion 's claws had been , while , on his side , the lion had recovered from his illness and was now as strong as ever . He was beginning to think that it was almost time for him to begin hunting again , when one morning a rustle was heard in the creepers outside , and the hare 's head peeped through . ' `` Ah ! there is no need to ask how you are , '' she said . `` Still you must n't overtire yourself , you know . Shall I go and bring you your dinner ? '' '
`` If you will XXXXX me that donkey I will tear it in two , '' cried the lion savagely , and the hare laughed and nodded and went on her errand .
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