The choir leader came over to Rat.
"Can I help you, sir?" said the mouse.
Rat spoke quietly.
"Are the shops still open?" he asked.
The mouse nodded politely.
"Shops are open late this time of year," he said.
Rat put some coins into the mouse's paw.
"Great!" said Rat.
"Go buy us some good food."
The rest of the mice sat down by the fire.
Mole was opening his empty cupboards.
"Oh dear," Mole said, shaking his head.
"Now," cried Rat, "what shall we do for fun?"
Mole turned and looked at Rat.
"Well," said Mole, "these mice are actors too.
They did a play about pirates last year."
"Really? Let's see!" cried Rat.
The mice whispered together.
"Samuel should do it," said one, pointing.
"Yes, Sammy will do it!" said the others.
One young mouse stood shyly.
"Say something from the play," said Rat.
"Ahem," said Samuel.
"Go on," said Mole.
"Don't be shy," said Rat.
"Um, um . . . ," Samuel said.
The other mice encouraged him.
"You can do it, Sammy!" they said.
"Um, um," the young mouse repeated.
"Here now, little one," said Rat.
"Everyone is waiting."
"Oh Rat," said Mole, "give him a chance."
Suddenly the door flew open.