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There was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself.

A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same

neighbourhood; and the Charcoal-burner, having made his

acquaintance and finding he was an agreeable sort of fellow,

asked him if he would come and share his house: "We shall get to

know one another better that way," he said, "and, beside, our

household expenses will be diminished." The Fuller thanked him,

but replied, "I couldn't think of it, sir: why, everything I take

such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your

charcoal."

THE MICE IN COUNCIL