Deep between the hills runs a ravine, and down through it rushes a fast river — splash! splash! There's only one way across — a single narrow tree-trunk, lying over the gap like a little bridge. So narrow that two can never cross at once.
From one side, up onto the trunk climbed Three-Horns — three whole horns on his head, and a broad shield behind. Just then, from the other side, up came Spike-Crown — a crown of spikes all around his head! Thud… thud… one step… another step… and right in the middle, the two came face to face!
Three-Horns said — “Move aside! I stepped on first, so I'll cross first.” Spike-Crown raised his voice — “Oh, will you now! You back up instead. I don't step aside for anyone!” Neither of them budged a single step.
Below, the river growled and rumbled, but neither one had an ear for it. “I won't back up!” roared Three-Horns. “Nor will I!” roared Spike-Crown. Both lowered their heads and leveled their horns — two stubborn beasts, and not one would give an inch.
Then — clash! Horn struck against horn — crack! “Still won't move?!” shouted Three-Horns. The bridge swayed, the trunk shuddered and creaked under their feet. But neither one stopped!
And just then — both their feet slipped! Splash! Splash! The two stubborn dinosaurs tumbled into the cold river! Floundering and sputtering, they barely paddled their way to the bank — soaked, mud-smeared, and shivering.
Soaked through, the two pulled themselves up — but neither would look at the other. Drip… drip… the cold water ran off them. That hot stubbornness from a moment ago had melted away somewhere in the river. All was still — only the soft hush of the water.
Then, slowly, the two looked at each other — and burst out laughing! “If just one of us had waited a moment, we'd both be dry!” said Three-Horns. Spike-Crown nodded — “You go first, friend. I'll wait right here.” So tell me — if it were you, would you have waited a little?