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 the bows and arrows which were hanging on the walls and , once outside , aimed at the flying mink ; but as they pulled the bows broke in their paws , so they threw them away , and bounded to the shore , with all their speed , to the place where their canoes were drawn up on the beach . Now , although the mink could not run as fast as the wolves , he had a good start , and was already afloat when the swiftest among them threw themselves into the nearest canoe . They pushed off , but as they dipped the paddles into the water , they snapped as the bows had done , and were quite useless . ' I know where there are some new ones , ' cried a young fellow , leaping on shore and rushing to a little cave at the back of the beach . And the mink 's heart smote him when he heard , for he had not known of this secret store . After a long chase the wolves managed to surround their prey , and the mink , seeing it was no good resisting any more , gave himself up .
Some of the elder wolves brought out some cedar bands , which they always carried wound round their bodies , but the mink laughed scornfully XXXXX the sight of them .
although among as at behind for of that while with