Then he recovered his spirit. “I will baulk him yet!” he exclaimed, his pink eyes flashing, and his white fur bristling with excitement.
“How can I help you?” asked the Owl. “I will endeavor to keep awake as long as I am wanted.”
“Wait a moment,” answered the Rabbit, and then he beat a tattoo thoughtfully on his drum. “I think I have arrived at a conclusion,” he said presently. “I will meet their dastardly plot by a counter-plot. I do not expect the Mouse back for another half-hour; he told me he should be busy till half-past twelve putting away our recent earnings. This will just give us time to do what I wish.
“Here is my plot,” he continued. “Having procured a bottle of gum we will go to the sentry-box, at the back of which you will take up your position. I will tell the Sentry you have been telling me a most comical little dream you have had—the one, indeed, you told me of late. He is a great fellow for good stories, and will certainly hurry off to hear it.
“Whilst he is away I will spread the bottom of the sentry-box with gum. When, on his return, he steps into the box, I shall keep him still, and give the gum time to take effect, by offering him a bet of a gold piece that he will not stand perfectly motionless whilst I go home and back. He is very fond of a bet, and is sure to accept it. Leaving you to see that he acts fairly, I shall go and meet the Mouse, returning here for the performance which is to be suggested.
