This story follows the lazy Mr. 'Possum who, after being cleverly turned away by neighbours unwilling to feed his idleness, decides to steal from the hibernating Mr. Bear's pantry. While greedily eating, he falls asleep, but is later disturbed when Mr. Fox also breaks in, inadvertently waking Mr. Bear with the noise. Mr. 'Possum escapes in terror while Mr. Fox cunningly blames the unseen thief, but Mr. 'Possum faces a lasting consequence: his fur turns white from fright, serving as a permanent reminder, according to the tale, of the repercussions of dishonesty and theft.