I am a Busy Man

One day a bunch of naughty children wanted to make fun of him and said to him: There are birds' eggs on that tree. Won't you get them for us please? We can't climb up.

Loath to disappoint the children, he was ready to climb the tree. But knowing that the mischievous youngsters would make off with his boots if he left them on the ground, he tied them to his waist-band before he started the climb.

We'll take care of your boots for you! the children chorused.

No, thank you! was he reply. I am a busy man. And as soon as I've got the eggs for you, I'll make my way home along the tree-tops.