Once upon a time there was a bear. It lived in a cave in the forest. In front of its cave flowed a sparkling stream full of delicious fish.

One day the bear caught a fish that spoke to it. The fish said,

"Dear bear, wait! Don't eat me! I am a magic fish!"

"Magic?" said the bear.

"Yes. I was a powerful alchemist but a spell has been cast on me. If you spare me I can grant you three wishes."

"Wishes?" said the bear.

"Yes!" said the fish, gasping a bit and getting very impatient, "Three of them! Just be careful, you know, about what you wish for."

"Sounds dangerous." said the bear, and ate the fish.