Can not we journey together ? ' ' I seemed to hear a voice in the air which said : `` Be firm , happen what may , and seek the Golden Branch , '' ' answered the Grasshopper , ` and I thought the command must be for me , so I started at once , though I do n't know the way . ' At this moment their conversation was interrupted by two mice , who , breathless from running , flung themselves headlong through the hole into the tree , nearly crushing the Grasshopper and the Cricket , though they got out of the way as fast as they could and stood up in a dark corner . ` Ah , Madam , ' said the fatter of the two , ' I have such a pain in my side from running so fast . How does your Highness find yourself ? ' ' I have pulled my tail off , ' replied the younger Mouse , ` but as I should still be on the sorcerer 's table unless I had , I do not regret it . Are we pursued , think you ? How lucky we were to escape ! ' ' I only trust that we may escape cats and traps , and reach the Golden Branch soon , ' said the fat Mouse . ` You know the way then ? ' said the other . ` Oh dear , yes ! as well as the way to my own house , Madam . This Golden Branch is indeed a marvel , a single leaf from it makes one rich for ever . It breaks enchantments , and makes all who approach it young and beautiful . We must set out for it at the break of day . ' ` May we have the honour of travelling with you -- this respectable Cricket and myself ? ' said the Grasshopper , stepping forward . ` We also are on a pilgrimage to the Golden Branch . ' The Mice courteously assented , and after many polite speeches the whole party fell asleep .
With the earliest dawn they were XXXXX their way , and though the Mice were in constant fear of being overtaken or trapped , they reached the Golden Branch in safety .
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