It was not long before they came to a cat sitting in the road looking as dismal as three wet days. »Now then, what is the matter with you, old shaver?« said the donkey. »I should like to know who would be cheerful when his neck is in danger?« answered the cat. »Now that I am old my teeth are getting blunt and I would rather sit by the oven and purr than run about after mice, and my mistress wanted to drown me so I took myself off, but good advice is scarce and I do not know what is to become of me.«—»Go with us to Bremen,« said the donkey, »and become town musician. You understand serenading.« The cat thought well of the idea and went with them accordingly.