Pagina 23 van 274

Once upon a time all the Mice met together in Council, and

discussed the best means of securing themselves against the

attacks of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a

Mouse of some standing and experience got up and said, "I think I

have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future,

provided you approve and carry it out. It is that we should

fasten a bell round the neck of our enemy the cat, which will by

its tinkling warn us of her approach." This proposal was warmly

applauded, and it had been already decided to adopt it, when an

old Mouse got upon his feet and said, "I agree with you all that

the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is

going to bell the cat?"

THE BAT AND THE WEASELS