began to be rather hungry, not having eaten anything a long while.
Accordingly we stayed till after the clock struck twelve, when
peeping out, we saw that the room was empty: we then ventured
forth, and found several seeds, though not enough to afford a very
ample meal for three of us.

After we had cleared the room, we again returned to our
hiding-place, where we continued till after the family had
finished their breakfast. They all then went to take a walk in
the garden, and we stepped out to pick up the crumbs which had
fallen from the table. Whilst we were thus employed, at a
distance from our place of retreat, we were alarmed by the
entrance of two boys, who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen
years of age. We directly ran towards the crack; but alas! we
were not quick enough to escape their observation; for, seeing us,
they both at once exclaimed, 'Some mice! some mice!' and at the
same time took off their hats, and threw at us. Longtail happily
eluded the blow, and safely got home, but poor Brighteyes and
myself were less fortunate; and though we for a considerable time,
by our quickness, prevented their catching us, at length, being
much disabled by a blow that one of them gave me with a book which
he threw at me, I was unable any longer to run, and hobbling very
slowly across the room, he picked me up. At the same moment
Brighteyes was so entangled in a handkerchief which the other boy
tossed over him, that he likewise was taken prisoner. Our little
hearts now beat quick with fear of those tortures we expected to
receive; nor were our apprehensions lessened by hearing the boys
consult what they should do with us, 'I,' said one, 'will throw
mine into the pond, and see how he will swim out again.' 'And I,'
said the other, 'will keep mine and tame it.' 'But where will you