midnight
The earth could not bear to feel him running about on his bloodthirsty business , through the holes the rabbits had made . The grass hated to feel him pushing through , for it had so often been stained with the blood that he had shed . So we all took counsel together , and I carried the messages , dear , from the oak , where you slept , to the ash and the elm , and to the earth in the corner where the rabbits live ; and the birds came up into the oak and gave their adherence , every one ; and the fox , too , though he did not come himself , for he is too cunning to commit himself till he knows which way the wind is going to blow , sent word of his high approval . `` Thus we were all prepared to act against that midnight assassin , the weasel , but we could not begin . The trees could not move , the earth could not wag a step , the grass could do nothing , and so it went on for some months , during all which time the weasel was busy with his wickedness , till at last the bailiff set the gin for the rat by the cart-house . Then the fox came out by day -- contrary to his custom , for he likes a nap -- and went to a spot where he knew a rabbit sat in the grass ; and he hunted the poor rabbit -LRB- it was very good sport to see -- I do not like rabbits -RRB- , till he had driven him across the ditch , where the weasel was . Then the fox stopped , and hid himself in the furze ; and the weasel , first looking round to see that no one was near , stole after the rabbit .