“To whom shall we intrust the deed?” asked the Horse. “There would be too great a risk for either of us to undertake it, I fear. If we were discovered there would at once be an end of all our plans. Our money would be taken, and possibly our lives also.”
The Mouse considered for a moment, then he said:
“I think I know the very fellow for the job. There is the Sentry who always stands in his wooden box. He is a chap who will do anything to vary the dulness of his life and earn a little money. He told me so the other day. He is both brave and wicked. Let him him do the deed.”
“Very well,” replied the Horse; “I think your idea is good. Will you arrange the matter so that it be carried out without any mistake?”
“Leave it to me,” replied the other. “You need not disturb yourself. The days of the Rabbit are numbered.”
“Good!” neighed the Horse; “and the quantity of my corn, oats,—besides carrots, apples, and other luxuries,—will be beyond number. We’ll at once open an account with the fruiterer and corn-dealer.”
“Also the cheese-monger,” said the Mouse. “Well, I must go; there is not a moment to be lost if we wish to carry out our plan.” Then he hurried off to the Sentry.
“Sentry,” said he, “are you prepared to run some risk for the sake of money?”
“For the sake of money I’m prepared to do anything,” said the wicked fellow.