A very young Mouse, who had never seen anything of the world,
almost came to grief the very first time he ventured out. And
this is the story he told his mother about his adventures.
"I was strolling along very peaceably when, just as I turned the
corner into the next yard, I saw two strange creatures. One of
them had a very kind and gracious look, but the other was the
most fearful monster you can imagine. You should have seen him.
"On top of his head and in front of his neck hung pieces of raw
red meat. He walked about restlessly, tearing up the ground with
his toes, and beating his arms savagely against his sides. The
moment he caught sight of me he opened his pointed mouth as if to
swallow me, and then he let out a piercing roar that frightened
me almost to death."
Can you guess who it was that our young Mouse was trying to
describe to his mother? It was nobody but the Barnyard Cock and
the first one the little Mouse had ever seen.
"If it had not been for that terrible monster," the Mouse went
on, "I should have made the acquaintance of the pretty creature,
who looked so good and gentle. He had thick, velvety fur, a meek
face, and a look that was very modest, though his eyes were
bright and shining. As he looked at me he waved his fine long
tail and smiled.
"I am sure he was just about to speak to me when the monster I
have told you about let out a screaming yell, and I ran for my
life."
"My son," said the Mother Mouse, "that gentle creature you saw
was none other than the Cat. Under his kindly appearance, he
bears a grudge against every one of us. The other was nothing but
a bird who wouldn't harm you in the least. As for the Cat, he
eats us. So be thankful, my child, that you escaped with your
life, and, as long as you live, never judge people by their
looks."
_Do not trust alone to outward appearances._
[Illustration]