When they had gone a short distance they met a cat with a face as long as three rainy days . ` Now , what has happened to upset your happiness , friend puss ? ' inquired the donkey . ` It 's impossible to look cheerful when one feels depressed , ' answered the cat . ' I am well up in years now , and have lost most of my teeth ; consequently I prefer sitting in front of the fire to catching mice , and so my old mistress wanted to drown me . I have no wish to die yet , so I ran away from her ; but good advice is expensive , and I do n't know where I am to go to , or what I am to do . ' ` Come to the nearest big town with us , ' said the donkey , ` and try your fortune as a street musician . I know what sweet music you make at night , so you are sure to be a success . ' The cat was delighted with the donkey 's proposal , and they all continued their journey together . In a short time they came to the courtyard of an inn , where they found a cock crowing lustily . ` What in the world is the matter with you ? ' asked the donkey . ` The noise you are making is enough to break the drums of our ears . ' ' I am only prophesying good weather , ' said the cock ; ` for to-morrow is a feast day , and just because it is a holiday and a number of people are expected at the inn , the landlady has given orders for my neck to be wrung to-night , so that I may be made into soup for to-morrow 's dinner . ' ` I 'll tell you what , redcap , ' said the donkey ; ` you had much better come with us to the nearest town . You have got a good voice , and could join a street band we are getting up . ' The cock was much pleased with the idea , and the party proceeded on their way . But the nearest big town was a long way off , and it took them more than a day to reach it . In the evening they came to a wood , and they made up their minds to go no further , but to spend the night there . The donkey and the greyhound lay down under a big tree , and the cat and the cock got up into the branches , the cock flying right up to the topmost twig , where he thought he would be safe from all danger .
Before he went to sleep he looked round the four points of the compass , and saw a little spark burning XXXXX the distance .
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