|There was once a young Rabbit, a quiet, peace-loving Rabbit. He lived
in a neat house, and made no trouble for any one. But one day he went
to market to buy some parsley. A Weasel came slyly by and saw the little
house. He slipped in and made himself at home. It was a good place to
stay in, and there he meant to stay. By and by the Rabbit came home, and
saw the Weasel at the window.
“Do you know that this is my house?” the Rabbit asked.
“Pooh, pooh!” said the Weasel, “what makes it yours? You only dug in the
ground a little, and came in here where the earth was gone. Do you think
you own the earth?”
“The law gives it to me,” said the Rabbit, “because I made it fit to
live in. If you do not leave, I will call the police.”
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“The law, indeed!” said the Weasel; “and what right has the law to give
away land? But we will have no more words. We will lay the matter before
the Cat, and leave it to him.”
“Very well,” said the young Rabbit, and they went to find the Cat,--an
old, wise, and strong Cat.
“Come nearer, my children,” said the Cat, as they both began to talk at
the same time. “I am very deaf; nearer, for I wish to hear every word.”
They came close to the Cat, each talking loudly. But as soon as the Cat
had them within reach, he darted his claws out on each side, and held
them both fast. First he made way with the young Rabbit, next with the
Weasel; and then the house belonged to him.