“Now we will put the cookies in the oven,” Mrs. Noodlekugel said. “Before we light the oven, we will count the mice to make sure no mouse has fallen asleep on the cookie sheet.”

“Has that ever happened?” Maxine asked.

“No, because we count,” Mrs. Noodlekugel said.

“The mice are all present and correct,” Mr. Fuzzface said.

“While the cookies are baking, perhaps Mr. Fuzzface would care to entertain us at the piano,” Mrs. Noodlekugel said.

Mr. Fuzzface sat at the piano. “I am self-taught,” he said.

Mr. Fuzzface played the piano fairly well, for a cat. He only knew one tune, “Three Blind Mice.” He also sang, but he sang the words “four blind mice.” He played and sang it over and over.

The mice applauded continually and jumped up and down.

Mrs. Noodlekugel tapped her foot and rocked in a rocking chair. Nick and Maxine tried to look pleased.

The little house began to smell wonderfully of baking gingerbread.