oh ! ' And putting her head down , she began to weep as loudly as ever . ` There ! there ! ' said her husband , laying his paw on her shoulder . ` Be comforted ; if he IS dead , we will avenge him . ' And calling to the others they proceeded to talk over the best plan . It took them a long time to make up their minds , as one wolf proposed one thing and one another ; but at last it was agreed that the old wolf should give a great feast in his house , and that the mink should be invited to the party . And in order that no time 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 XXXXX handy . '
Of about after before between by in on that while