A raven was carrying his chicks, one at a time, from an island to the mainland. In mid-flight he asked the first, "Who will carry me when I am old and can no longer fly?"

"I will," answered the young raven, but the father did not believe him, and dropped him into the sea.

The same question was put to the second chick. He too replied, "I will carry you when you are old," and the father also let him fall into the sea.

The last chick received the same question, but he answered, "Father, you will have to fend for yourself when you are old, because by then I will have my own family to care for."

"You speak the truth," said the father raven, and carried the chick to safety.