The wolves believe that their way of life is the only way to live, and therefore they dislike the rabbits. After an earthquake occurs the wolves incriminate the rabbits because “it is well known that rabbits pound on the ground with their hind legs and cause earthquakes”. The wolves also blame the rabbits for a lightning strike that kills one of the wolves because “it is well known that lettuce-eaters cause lightning”. After the wolves announce plans “to civilize” the rabbits if they don’t stop causing natural disasters, the rabbits decide to flee to an island. However, the other nameless animals - living out of harm›s way - convince the rabbits to stay because “This is no world for escapists” and guarantee them protection against the wolves - “in all probability”.After a flood - “it is well known that carrot-nibblers with long ears cause floods” - the wolves decide to imprison the rabbits, “for their own good”. Weeks later the other animals notice the absence of the rabbits and ask the wolves about them. The wolves answer that it is “a purely internal matter” (because they ate the rabbits). The wolves also claim the rabbits were trying to escape “and, as you know, this is no world for escapists”. 
James Thurber