To the Rats
- After Lester calls together the Mouse Council, they meet in a small, secret hole off of King Phillip's throne room. There are 14 mice in all, including one Most Very Honored Head Mouse.
- When Lester tells them the story of Despereaux hanging out with the princess, the Mouse Council is both horrified and scandalized. They can't believe that Despereaux would endanger them all in such a way
- The Head Mouse tells Lester that there's obviously something terribly wrong with his son. Even though Despereaux is just a little mouse, he's proving to be dangerous to the community. He has to be sent to the dungeon.
- They put the motion to a vote, and not even Lester votes against sending his son to the dungeon—although he does cry. The Head Mouse tells Lester to bring his son to stand before the council.