It's lunchtime, and Mr. Maxwell is eager to celebrate his promotion. Upon entering the Paw and Claw restaurant he's greeted by the headwaiter, Clyde, and led to his regular table. Mr. Maxwell is a creature of meticulous habit, but today he's in an expansive mood. Instead of ordering his usual entrée of baked mouse, he asks Clyde to bring him a live mouse instead.

"Would you like us to kill it for you?" asks Clyde.

"That won't be necessary," replies Mr. Maxwell.

But Maxwell soon discovers that his decision is a disastrous mistake.