The Better Mouse Trap

She didn't want to go into the basement too soon, in case they were alive.
She imagined them treading water, their little eyes urgent for rescue. When the old tom was around there was never this problem. She was disgusted when she found holes in the rice bag and droppings sprinkled along the baseboards. She didn't believe in poison, and spring traps could mutilate a tail or a leg, allowing the creature to crawl away or remain alive. Drowning was better. A ramp, a bucket and a soda can, with peanut butter, strung over water. How long could they swim?