Four creatures—a cat, an owl, a lizard, and a mouse—inhabit a banyan tree in an Indian forest, each wary of the others. The cat, confident in her hiding spot, preys on the mouse, who fears both the cat and the owl. The lizard, basking in the sun, avoids both predators. The cat's pursuit of the mouse leads her into a hunter's snare, leaving her helpless. The mouse, seizing the opportunity, offers to help the cat in exchange for her promise of friendship and safety. The cat, desperate, agrees, and the mouse pretends to nibble the snare while actually delaying. As night falls, the cat grows weaker, fearing other predators. When the hunter approaches, the mouse finally bites through the snare, freeing the cat, who quickly escapes. The mouse, aware of the cat's true nature, flees to safety. The next day, the cat attempts to befriend the mouse, expressing gratitude for his help. However, the mouse remains cautious, recognizing the cat's potential for betrayal. Despite the cat's repeated attempts to forge a friendship, the mouse avoids her. Eventually, the owl captures the mouse, and the cat kills the lizard. The cat and owl continue to live in the banyan tree, ultimately dying of old age, while the cycle of predator and prey remains unbroken.
By S.M. Mitra · First published 1970 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Adventure · 6 chapters