The Weasels and the Mice were always up in arms against each
other. In every battle the Weasels carried off the victory, as
well as a large number of the Mice, which they ate for dinner
next day. In despair the Mice called a council, and there it was
decided that the Mouse army was always beaten because it had no
leaders. So a large number of generals and commanders were
appointed from among the most eminent Mice.
To distinguish themselves from the soldiers in the ranks, the new
leaders proudly bound on their heads lofty crests and ornaments
of feathers or straw. Then after long preparation of the Mouse
army in all the arts of war, they sent a challenge to the
Weasels.
The Weasels accepted the challenge with eagerness, for they were
always ready for a fight when a meal was in sight. They
immediately attacked the Mouse army in large numbers. Soon the
Mouse line gave way before the attack and the whole army fled for
cover. The privates easily slipped into their holes, but the
Mouse leaders could not squeeze through the narrow openings
because of their head-dresses. Not one escaped the teeth of the
hungry Weasels.
_Greatness has its penalties._