They could not reach the great city the first day. So, when night came
on, they went into the wood to sleep. The Ass and the Dog lay down under
a great tree; the Cat climbed up and sat on a branch; the Cock flew up
to the top of the tree, for that was a very safe place.
Before he went to sleep, he looked out on all sides to see if the world
were quiet. Afar off he saw something bright, and he called out to the
others:--
“There must be a house no great way off, for I see a light.”
“If that be the case,” said the Ass, “let us change our quarters, for
our lodging here is not the best in the world.”
“So say I,” said the Dog. “I should not be the worse for a bone or two,
or a bit of meat.” So off they all went to the spot where the Cock had
seen the light. As they drew near, it became larger and brighter, till
at last they came close to a house in which a gang of robbers lived.
The Ass was the tallest of the company, so he marched up to the window
and peeped in.
“Well, Ass,” said the Cock, “what do you see?”
“What do I see? Why, I see a table spread with all sorts of good things,
and men sitting round it, making merry.”
“That would be a fine place for us to live in,” said the Cock.
“Yes,” said the Ass, “if we only could get in.” So they all talked
the matter over, and at last hit upon a plan. The Ass stood on his
hind-legs, with his fore-feet resting on the window-sill; the Dog got
upon his back; the Cat scrambled up to the Dog’s shoulders; and the Cock
flew up and sat upon the Cat’s head.
[Illustration: 0176]
When all was ready, they began their music. The Ass brayed, the Dog
barked, the Cat mewed, and the Cock crowed; and then they all broke
through the window at once, and came tumbling into the room. The glass
fell with a smash upon the floor, and there was a great clatter.
The robbers started when they heard the music. They were scared out of
their wits when the Traveling Musicians came tumbling into the room. So
they took to their heels at once.