me should be lost it was further agreed that each wolf should
bear the invitations to the guests that lived nearest to him.

Now the wolves thought they were very cunning, but the mink was more
cunning still; and though he sent a message by a white hare, that
was going that way, saying he should be delighted to be present, he
determined that he would take his precautions. So he went to a mouse who
had often done him a good turn, and greeted her with his best bow.

'I have a favour to ask of you, friend mouse,' said he, 'and if you will
grant it I will carry you on my back every night for a week to the patch
of maize right up the hill.'

'The favour is mine,' answered the mouse. 'Tell me what it is that I can
have the honour of doing for you.'

'Oh, something quite easy,' replied the mink. 'I only want you--between
to-day and the next full moon--to gnaw through the bows and paddles of
the wolf people, so that directly they use them they will break. But of
course you must manage it so that they notice nothing.'

'Of course,' answered the mouse, 'nothing is easier; but as the full
moon is to-morrow night, and there is not much time, I had better begin
at once.' Then the mink thanked her, and went his way; but before he had
gone far he came back again.

'Perhaps, while you are about the wolf's house seeing after the bows, it
would do no harm if you were to make that knot-hole in the wall a little
bigger,' said he. 'Not large enough to draw attention, of course; but it
might come in handy.' And with another nod he left her.

The next evening the mink washed and brushed himself carefully and set
out for the feast. He smiled to himself as he looked at the dusty track,
and perceived that though the marks of wolves' feet were many, not a
single guest was to be seen anywhere. He knew very well what that meant;
but he had taken his precautions and was not afraid.

The house door stood open, but through a crack the mink could see the
wolves crowding in the corner behind it. However, he entered boldly, and
as soon as he was fairly inside the door was shut with a bang, and the
whole herd sprang at him, with their red tongues hanging out of their
mouths. Quick as they were they were too late, for the mink was already
through the knot-hole and racing for his canoe.

The knot-hole was too small for the wolves, and there were so many of
them in the hut that it was some time before they could get the door
open. Then they seized t