Belling the Cat Long ago, on a farm in a faraway land there lived a tomcat. The plump cat walked on padded feet. It would sit on bales of hay or upon a loft or a window and pounce on mice when they least expected it. One day, as the cat slept on the branch of a tree, the mice held a meeting in the barn. They discussed many ideas to escape from the cat or get rid of it but could not decide on anything. Finally, a young mouse piped up, “Why don’t we tie a bell around the cat’s neck? This way, we will know at all times where he is and run away when it approaches.” All the mice cheered aloud and slapped his back to congratulate him on such a bright idea. Just then, a wise old mouse said, “The young one’s idea is excellent. All I want to know is, ‘Who will bell the cat?’” All the mice looked at each other. No one dared approach the cat. Suddenly, a shadow loomed in the doorway. The mice scampered away. The cat licked its lips and walked into the barn