i went to bed that night with the best intentions in the world, and with my head resting on the pillow i formed thousands of projects, one more daring than the other, so that i might show my parents how much i loved them and how hard i tried to please them. when my mother came up to tuck me into my little bed, as she did every night, and stooped over me to kiss me, i threw my arms round her neck and drawing her quite close whispered in her ear: “i do so love you!”

“darling little fellow!” she answered, resting her cheek against mine.

i was so excited that i could not go to sleep for a long time. i kept turning over in my mind a most daring project, a most audacious deed which i was determined to perform. yes, i was determined i would walk into the garden the next day and beard the little bantam-cock. how surprised he would be to see me come up to him without the least fear. ah! it would be his turn to be afraid now. yes, i would just open the door leading from the corridor, open it quite wide! then i would walk up to the apricot tree: walk straight up to it without hurrying, or trembling. then he would come up to me; i should just appear as if i did not see he was there. then what would he do? he would most likely fly at me. very well, let him; but i would raise my hand at the moment he began his attack, and i would give him such a blow with my fist that he would not forget it in a hurry. but then, perhaps he would give me a terrible peck, the vicious little horror! pooh, what of that? i could easily prevent it!

having come to this conclusion, i at last fell asleep. my plan was to get up early the next morning without making any noise; to go downstairs and into the garden before anyone was about, for i did not wish people to witness my exploit. i was determined to try if i could not carry my project out with courage and success; but i could not be quite sure how matters would turn out, so i would rather have my first battle over without a witness.

when i opened my eyes the next morning, it was broad daylight. i jumped out of bed, said my prayers, and dressed as fast as i could.