A RAT that was about to emerge from his hole caught a glimpse of a
Cat waiting for him, and descending1 to the colony at the bottom of
the hole invited a Friend to join him in a visit to a neighbouring
corn-bin. "I would have gone alone," he said, "but could not deny
myself the pleasure of such distinguished2 company."
"Very well," said the Friend, "I will go with you. Lead on."
"Lead?" exclaimed the other. "What! I precede so great and
illustrious a rat as you? No, indeed - after you, sir, after you."
Pleased with this great show of deference3, the Friend went ahead,
and, leaving the hole first, was caught by the Cat, who immediately
trotted4 away with him. The other then went out unmolested.
