The mice were having a meeting. It was a very important meeting, because they were all terrified of the cat.

The cat was quick and quiet. She crept through the house on velvet paws, and no mouse ever heard her coming until it was too late.

"Something must be done!" said an old grey mouse. "We can't go on like this."

The mice talked and argued and squeaked at each other for a long time. Then a young mouse stood up. He was very pleased with himself.

"I have the perfect plan," he announced. "We tie a bell around the cat's neck. Then, wherever she goes, we'll hear her coming. Jingle, jingle — and we'll have plenty of time to run and hide."

The mice cheered. "Brilliant!" they cried. "What a wonderful idea! A bell! Of course! Why didn't we think of it sooner?"

Then the old grey mouse spoke up again.

"It is a fine plan," he said. "I have just one question. Which of you is going to tie the bell on the cat?"

The room went very, very quiet.

And the bell was never tied.