An old Cat was in a fair way to kill all the Mice in the barn.
One day the Mice met to talk about the great harm that she was doing them. Each one told of some plan by which to keep out of her way.
"Do as I say," said an old gray Mouse that was thought to be very wise. "Do as I say. Hang a bell to the Cat's neck. Then, when we hear it ring, we shall know that she is coming, and can scamper out of her way." "Good! good!" said all the other Mice; and one ran to get the bell. "Now which of you will hang this bell on the Cat's neck?" said the old gray Mouse.
"Not I! not I!" said all the Mice together. And they scampered away to their holes.