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.

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