Mice, being sadly distressed on account of their common enemy the Cat, called a council to devise means of ridding themselves of the annoyance. Many plans were proposed and rejected, till at last it was suggested by a young Mouse that a bell should be hung round the Cat’s neck, that having notice of her coming, they might escape to their holes.

The proposal was hailed with applause and agreed to unanimously. Whereupon an old Mouse, who had sat in silence, got up and said, "That is well, but who will belt the Cat:" The Mice looked one at another, but no one answered.

The old Mouse said, "It is easy to advise; what is wanted is some one to act."