Belling The Cat

[15] THE MICE once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time torun away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir f rom their dens by night or day.
Many plans were discussed, but none of therewas thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:
"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful. All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat'sneck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."
All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of therejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:
"I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question Who will bell the Cat?"
It is one thing to say thatsomething should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.



THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE
A HARE was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.
"Do you ever get anywhere?" heasked with a mocking laugh.
"Yes," replied the Tortoise, "and I get there sooner than you think. I'll run you a race and prove it.
The Hare was much amused at the idea of running a race with theTortoise, but for the fun of the thing he agreed. So the Fox, who had consented to act as judge, marked the distance and started the runners off.
The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make theTortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise should catch up.
The Tortoise meanwhile kept goinglyslowly but steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping. But the Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up, the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare...