“Now,” the old rat went on, “who will tie the bell around the cat’s neck?”
“Not I! Not I! Not I!” squeaked the poor frightened rats.
And they trembled all over at the very thought.
Then they sat very still and looked at each other.
Oh! how hungry they were! How sweet that yellow corn in the stall would taste.
One by one they began to steal away softly.
Where do you think they were going?
Rat families still live in barns.