'I am sent to tell you that the master was quite right, and that you thoroughly deserved your extra task.'
'But it was Windekind who told me that the sun was masculine. He said he was his father.'
'Yes; but no one else need know it. What have men to do with that? You must never discuss such delicate matters with men; they are too gross to understand them. Man is an astonishingly perverse and stupid creature that only cares to catch or kill whatever comes within his reach. Of that we mice have ample experience.'
'But why then, little mouse, do you live among men? Why do you not run away to the woods?'
'Oh, that we cannot do now. We are too much accustomed to town living. And so long as we are prudent, and always take care to avoid their traps and their heavy feet, we get on very well among men. Fortunately we are very nimble. The worst of it is, that man ekes out his own slowness by an alliance with the cat; that is a great grievance. But in the woods there are owls and hawks, and we should all be starved. Now, Johannes, mind my advice—here comes the master.'
'Mouse, mouse; do not go away. Ask Windekind what I am to do with my little key. I have tied it round my neck, next my skin. But on Saturday I am tubbed, and I am so afraid that it will be found. Tell me, where can I hide it?'
'Underground, always underground, that is always safest. Shall I keep it for you?'
'No, not here in school.'
'Then bury it out in the sand-hills. I will tell my cousin the field-mouse that he must take care of it.'
'Thank you, little mouse.'