Mr. Coyote’s New Boots

A Romanian folk-tale retold

Long ago, when coyotes and rabbits were friends, Mr. Hare needed a pair of boots. Winter was approaching and his feet were bare. So he wrapped two gold coins in a handkerchief, stuck them in his pocket, and started to the store.

As he walked along, he met Mr. Coyote, who was walking in the same direction. “Hello, my friend,” he said.

“Hello, my friend,” Mr. Coyote replied.

“That’s a beautiful pair of boots you have on,” said Mr. Hare.

“Thank you,” said Mr. Coyote proudly. “They cost me two gold coins.”

“That is what I have,” said Mr. Hare, patting his pocket. “I am going to buy a pair of boots just like that.”

As they walked along, it grew dark. “We should stop at Mr. Bear’s inn for the night,” said Mr. Coyote.

“Oh, no,” said Mr. Hare. “I only have two gold coins and I need both of them to buy boots.”

“Don’t worry,” said Mr. Coyote. “You are my friend and I will pay for everything.”

When they got to Mr. Bear’s inn, Mr. Coyote ordered a feast. Mr. Hare barely touched his food because he was worried about the cost, but Mr. Coyote ate and ate. Mr. Coyote ate everything on the table and ordered second servings.

When they finished, Mr. Bear said, “That will be two gold coins for the food and for your rooms for the night.”

Mr. Coyote started patting his pockets as though looking for money. Finally he turned to Mr. Hare with a sly look on his face and said, “My friend, I seem to have left my money at home. I am embarrassed, but I guess you will have to pay.”

“But I cannot,” answered Mr. Hare. “I must have my two gold coins to buy boots for the winter.”

“Don’t worry, my friend,” said Mr. Coyote. “I will pay you back before winter. And I will even give you extra.” By this time, Mr. Hare was not sure whether Mr. Coyote was his friend or not.

As he was trying to decide what to do, Mr. Bear began to growl. Frightened, Mr. Hare pulled out his handkerchief to wipe his face. The two gold coins fell out and rolled across the floor.

Mr. Bear snatched up the coins. “Thank you,” he growled. Then he laughed loudly.

Mr. Bear showed them to their rooms. As he left, he said, “I hope you both sleep well.”

But Mr. Hare did not sleep at all. If he had no boots, his feet would freeze in the winter. He had no more money and he did not trust Mr. Coyote to repay him. What was he to do?

Then he had an idea. He tiptoed into the next room where Mr. Coyote was sleeping. There, against the wall, were Mr. Coyote’s new boots. He tried them on and they fit perfectly. He began to laugh.

Mr. Coyote opened his eyes sleepily. “Good morning, my friend,” said Mr. Hare. “You do not have to worry about paying me back, because I am taking your new boots that cost two gold coins. Now we are even.” With that, he ran out the door.

By this time, Mr. Coyote was fully awake. “Wait, my friend!” he shouted as he chased Mr. Hare down the road. “Come back with my new boots!”

For what happened next, we must rely on the word of others. Mr. Coyote was seen chasing Mr. Hare over the hills, through the villages, and through the fields. He was seen chasing Mr. Hare all that fall, through the winter, through spring and summer, and into the next fall.

Each time Mr. Coyote was seen, he was thinner than before. Always he was shouting, “Give me back my boots!” And always, Mr. Hare was ahead of him, laughing.

So, the next time you see a coyote chasing a rabbit, it is simply Mr. Coyote trying to get back his new boots.

(Originally published in Red River Kids, Spring 2009)