(原版)澳大利亚语文第二册 LESSON 28
LESSON 28 BELL THE CAT
BELL THE CAT
trouble pan-try fright-en gnaw
ex-cuse dread-ful ba-con peace
1. The mice were in trouble. They lived in a fine, large house, they had plenty to eat, they were all good friends, and they could have been quite happy but for the cat—"that dreadful cat" they called her.
2. One night they met to talk about their trouble, and to see if they could not find a way to end it. Brown-back, Grey-ear, White-whisker, and many other mice were there. They all agreed that some thing must be done.
3. "We are not safe anywhere," said Brown-back. "If I slip into the pantry to get a bit of cheese or a scrap of bacon, down comes the cat. If I steal into the dining room to pick up a few crumbs, she is sure to be there.
4. "She watches, too, at every hole we make. I am afraid to work lest she should hear me. Fancy not being able to gnaw even a bit of wood in peace!"
5. "What is the best thing to be done?" asked Grey-ear. "What if we all ran at her at once, and bit her? Or shall we make noises, and give her a fright?"
6. "No," said White-whisker; "she is so bold that we could not hurt or frighten her. But I have thought of a good plan.
You see this bell; let us hang it round her neck. Then if she moves, the bell will ring, we shall hear it, and so we can keep out of her way."
7. "Yes! yes! yes!" cried all the mice. "That is just the thing. Let us bell the cat. Hurrah! Hurrah!" White-whisker looked quite proud.
8. After the noise had gone on for some time, the mice stopped to rest, and Brown-back asked, "Who will hang the bell round the cat's neck? I can't do it myself; I have my little ones to look after. Will you do it, White-whisker?"
9. "I am afraid not," was the reply; "I am lame. It needs someone who can move quickly. One of the young mice would be able to get away faster than I could."
10. "Will you, Grey-ear?" asked Brown-back.
You must excuse me, said Grey-ear. "I have not been well since that time when I was nearly caught in the trap."
11. "Well," said Brown-back, "if it is such a good thing to do, someone ought to do it at once. Is there any one who will?"
12. Not a sound was heard. Even puss, who just then peeped in, could hear nothing. When the mice caught sight of her, there was a rush for their holes. The bell was left on the floor.
