“Yes, indeed,” replied Nibble, “if those horrid cats had their way they would drive us out of existence.”
“Well, thank goodness, I’m not annoyed by the ill-bred creatures,” he added with a satisfied blink.
“No,” sighed Mrs. Ratt, “you are rich and prosperous while I have to scratch for a bite to eat.”
Nibble gloried in his good fortune, so he told Mrs. Ratt about all the good things he had to eat, and to crown this air of plenty he invited Mrs. Ratt and all her family to a party the following night. Then they parted and Nibble went home to arrange his house in neat order for his guests.
He had some fine old cheese and was going to make a rarebit for his friends, but he got so hungry that he ate it all up, and on the night of the party he found that he had but one cracker and a piece of an old shoe. He was disappointed, because he wanted to impress Mrs. Ratt with his abundance. He had just made up his mind to go to the grocery store before she came when he heard a little squeal outside his house, and on opening the door there stood Mrs. Ratt and all her children.
“Good evening,” said Mrs. Ratt, “I’m afraid we are a little late, but the fact is I’m rather timid, you know, and waited until it was quite safe.”
“You did perfectly right,” said Nibble. “I’m afraid you live in a very dangerous locality.”
“I should say so,” replied Mrs. Ratt, and she raised her eyes in horror. “There have been no less than five hold-ups within the last week, all my relations too,” she added with a squeal.
“Who is the desperado?” asked Nibble.
“Who should it be but our ancient enemy,” groaned Mrs. Ratt, shaking her head. “A precious pair of rascals by name Thomas and Maria, they are the terror of our peaceful community.”