“Why,” said the Cock, “I was just now saying that it was going to be fine weather, when lo! the cook claps her hands to her ears, and says she means to cut my head off, and make broth of me for the guests that are coming to-morrow.”
“What a shame!” said the Ass. “But come with us, Master Cock. It will be better than to stay here and have your head cut off. Besides, who knows? If we take care to sing in tune, we may get up some kind of concert; so, come along with us.”
“With all my heart,” said the Cock; and they all four went on their way.
II. HOW THEY GAVE A CONCERT
They could not reach the great city the first day. So, when night came on, they went into the wood to sleep. The Ass and the Dog lay down under a great tree; the Cat climbed up and sat on a branch; the Cock flew up to the top of the tree, for that was a very safe place.
Before he went to sleep, he looked out on all sides to see if the world were quiet. Afar off he saw something bright, and he called out to the others:—
“There must be a house no great way off, for I see a light.”
“If that be the case,” said the Ass, “let us change our quarters, for our lodging here is not the best in the world.”
“So say I,” said the Dog. “I should not be the worse for a bone or two, or a bit of meat.” So off they all went to the spot where the Cock had seen the light. As they drew near, it became larger and brighter, till at last they came close to a house in which a gang of robbers lived.
The Ass was the tallest of the company, so he marched up to the window and peeped in.