How It Was Prepared"I did not travel," said the third mouse; "I stayed in
this country: that was the right way. One gains nothing by
travelling—everything can be acquired here quite as easily; so I
stayed at home. I have not obtained what I know from supernatural
beings. I have neither swallowed it, nor learnt it from conversing
with owls. I have got it all from my reflections and thoughts. Will
you now set the kettle on the fire—so? Now pour the water in—quite
full—up to the brim; place it on the fire; make up a good blaze;
keep it burning, that the water may boil; it must boil over and
over. There, now I throw in the skewer. Will the mouse-king be
pleased now to dip his tail into the boiling water, and stir it
round with the tail. The longer the king stirs it, the stronger the
