“Highest of all High Kings，” said Reepicheep， “permit me to remind you that a very small size has been bestowed on us Mice， and if we did not guard our dignity， some （who weigh worth by inches） would allow themselves very unsuitable pleasantries at our expense. That is why I have been at some pains to make it known that no one who does not wish to feel this sword as near his heart as I can reach shall talk in my presence about Traps or Toasted Cheese or Candles： no， Sir.not the tallest fool in Narnia！” Here he glared very fiercely up at Wimbleweather， but the Giant， who was always a stage behind everyone else， had not yet discovered what was being talked about down at his feet， and so missed the point.
“Why have your followers all drawn their swords， may I ask？” said Aslan.
“May it please your High Majesty，” said the second Mouse， whose name was Peepiceek， “we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honour which is denied to the High Mouse.”
