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 The Fox Afox, which had been caught young, was kept as a pet. He was kept chained up in the yard and became very tame. The children played with him. The watch dog gamboled with him and the chickens and geese did not fear him but came up and pecked at his food without fear. The fox did not even growl at them. The mistress thought the fox was very pretty. She thought it was cruel to keep him chained up all the time. She thought it would be safe to let him loose. So she unbuckled the collar and let him go free. He was very glad to be unchained and frisked about. By and by the mistress heard a great noise and squalling among her geese and chickens. She ran out to see what was the matter. She saw the fox running away with her fattest pullet slung over his shoulder. “You treacherous fox,” shouted the woman, “I thought you were so good.” “Ah,” said the fox, “I was good while I was chained, but now I am free.” Bad habits are like this fox. While we keep them chained and watch them, they give us no trouble. As soon as they are free they begin to rob us of our good qualities until we have a bad name. Beware of the little foxes, or bad habits. ...

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