The Old Rat’s regrets
“Well, it seems we stepped too far aside from our story,” the Flea said suddenly.
He shook his head, as if he wished to chase away all the unpleasant thoughts and memories which had invaded his mind.
“The Squirrel lawyer helped me escape from the cursed tomcats,” he continued. “I returned home, and I remember the Old Rat experienced pangs of conscience the whole summer. He blamed himself for everything that had happened to me. He was sorry for not choosing another route to get away from the furious cats, and he admonished himself for jumping over that tall plant, because that was the reason for my fall!
‘I was so stupid,’ the Old Rat said, pulling at his hair. ‘I should have gone under that weed! I might have risked hurting myself, but I would have saved you!’
“H
