Once upon a time there lived in a village Mr. Cock whose duty it was, to announce the dawn, the noon and the sunset to the villagers.

In the adjoining village there lived four ratty boys, who had no food or shelter, any more because the human beings had become so thrifty, and they did not throw away any food, clothes or paper. Having heard of the generosity of Mr. Cock of the next village they decided to go to him for help.

The ratty boys arrived at the door of Mr.Cock‘s house. They learned form the flowers that Mr. Cock was in. “who is to knock on the door?” They were trying to solve this problem, when Mr. Cock himself appeared.

The ratty boys tell him of their plight and beg for help. He tells them that he is ready to give food and shelter to good little children who will go to school and learn to read write and do their home-work. The Ratty boys agree and Mr. Cock gives them a home.

The Ratty boys soon forgot their promises. Any time Mr. Cock needed help, they pretend to have lots of schoolwork to do. But the moment he turned his back on time, they were at play.

One day Mr. Cock discovered an ear of corn, while sweeping the garden and he suggested to the Ratty boys that they get it milled. But oh no; they had lots of schoolwork to do. Then he got it milled himself and called for help to prepare the honey cakes. Oh; my goodness; They have not finished their home work; Besides, little children mustn’t get near the oil pen or the fire; what more? Eating sweet meats is not good for worms; so, Mr. Cock made the hone-cakes himself. The rats were at play. Suddenly they all exclaimed oh the table; They were impatient to eat them. They approached Mr. Cock in the kitchen and inquired after his health and then talked about the cakes.

Mr.Cock asked “who found the ear of corn?”
“You, of course Mr.Cock “replied the Ratty boys.
“Who had it milled?”
“Why it was you, Mr.Cock “.
“Who made the honey-cakes?”
“Certainly, it was you Mr.Cock”.
“And now who should eat the honey-cakes?”
“well, who else but you, Mr. Cock?” mumbled the Ratty boys, slowly slinking away.

Mr. Cock was very understanding. He called them back and said” Look here, little ones, you may eat the honey-cakes just for today, but learn this lesson for the future.

If anyone is not ready to do an honest day’s work, he has no right to eat too. Because, he will then be eating out of another man’s hard work.