More classic stories for the little ones

More classic stories for the little ones

A country mouse was carrying some corn to his home one day when he met a town mouse. "Always at work," said the town mouse. "I should think you would get tired of work." . "Oh, I don't mind it," said the country mouse. "This is a good year and I am laying by a large store of grain and other seeds. I expect to live well all winter." "I always live well," said the town mouse. "I have the best in the land every day—cake, pie, cheese, and other good things. I do not have to lay by a store for winter. I always have plenty the year round." "It is nearly noon and you must be tired. Come in and take dinner with me," said the country mouse. "I will give you the best meal you ever ate. I want you to know how good country fare is." "Thank you," said the town mouse. "I shall be glad to dine with you," and the two mice went together to the home of the country mouse. While the town mouse rested, the country mouse set forth the best he had in the house. There were beans, peas, yellow corn, white corn, wheat, and barley. When all was ready the two mice sat down and both ate heartily, but the town mouse thought it a very poor dinner. "Come and dine with me next Saturday," said the town mouse. "I want to show you what good fare is." "Thank you," said the country mouse. "I shall be glad to dine with you." So on Saturday the country mouse went to the home of the city mouse. He did not feel at ease, for there were so many people about and so many strange sounds. The town mouse took him to a cupboard where there was no end of good things to eat. The country mouse was enjoying some cake, which he had to own was better than anything he had ever eaten, when a cat crept quietly into the pantry. As soon as the mice saw him, they ran, but the country mouse, not knowing at once which way to go, barely escaped the claws of the cat. The two mice waited some time before they tried to finish their meal. They then crept to the dining-room, which the family had just left. The table was still full of good things. The mice looked about and saw no one, so they climbed up on the table. "What excellent cheese this is," said the country mouse when about to take his second bite; but just then the door was pushed open and a little dog walked into the room. Both mice jumped down, and the city mouse ran into his hole, but the country mouse ran here and there, trying to find a place to hide. The dog chased him, barking savagely, and the whole family hurried into the room to see what it was all about. Poor country mouse, he was never so frightened in his life! Just as the dog was about to catch him, he at last found the open door and ran out. He never stopped to bid the town mouse "Goodby," but ran on and on until he reached his home. There he panted out, "I hate the town. Give me plain food, some work, and a life free from fear. That is the life for me!"

Lida Brown Mcmurry

Hathi Trust

Public School Publishing Company

1911

Illustrator Unknown

English

13

Pages 11-14