Oldal 61 [61]
CAT having made acguaintance with a
mouse, professed such great love and
friendship for her, that the mouse at
last agreed that they should live and
keep house together,
- We must make provision for the
winter," said the cat, "or we shall
suffer hunger, and you, little mouse,
must not stir out, or you will be caught
In a trap.”
So they took counsel together and bought a little pot of
fat. And then they could not tell where to put it for safety,
but after long consideration the cat said there could not be a
better place than the church, for nobody would steal there;
and they would put it under the altar and not touch it until
they were really in want. So this was done, and the little pot
placed in safety.
But before long the cat was seized with agreat wish to taste it. —
“ Listen to me, little mouse,” said he; I have been asked
by my cousin to stand god-father to a little son she has brought
into the world ; he is white with brown spots; and they want
to have the christening to-day, so let me go to it, and you
stay at home and keep house.”
“Oh yes, certainly,” answered the mouse, "pray go by all
means; and when you are feasting on all the good things,
think of me; I should so like a drop of the sweet red wine.”
But there was not a word of truth in all this; the cat had
no cousin, and had not been asked to stand god-father: he