whilst the lizard darted away into the sunshine, feeling glad that
the cat and the owl were neither of them now likely to trouble their
heads about him. The owl flew quietly to a tree hard by to watch what
would happen, feeling so sure of having the mouse for his dinner that
he was in no hurry to catch him.

5. What would you have done if you had been the mouse, when you saw
the cat in the snare?

6. Was the owl wise or foolish to wait before he caught the mouse?


CHAPTER IV


The mouse, small and helpless though he was, was a wise little
creature. He saw the owl fly up into the tree, and knew quite well
that if he did not take care he would serve as dinner to that great
strong bird. He knew too that, if he went within reach of the claws
of the cat, he would suffer for it. "How I do wish," he thought to
himself, "I could make friends with the cat, now she is in distress,
and get her to promise not to hurt me if ever she gets free. As long
as I am near the cat, the owl will not dare to come after me." As he
thought and thought, his eyes got brighter and brighter, and at last
he decided what he would do. He had, you see, kept his presence of
mind; that is to say, he did not let his fright of the cat or the owl
prevent him from thinking clearly. He now ventured forth from amongst
the barley, and coming near enough to the cat for her to see him quite
clearly, but not near enough for her to reach him with her claws,
or far enough away for the owl to get him without danger from those