The answer to the question "The farmer’s wife did not trust the mongoose" is option 'A'.

Explanation:
The mongoose is a small carnivorous mammal that is known for its ability to hunt and kill snakes. In this particular scenario, the farmer's wife did not trust the mongoose. Let's analyze the reasons behind her lack of trust:

1. Fear of harm:
The farmer's wife might have been afraid that the mongoose could harm her or her family. Despite the mongoose's reputation for hunting snakes, it is possible that she had concerns about the mongoose's aggressive behavior or its potential to attack humans.

2. Lack of familiarity:
It is also possible that the farmer's wife was unfamiliar with the mongoose and its behavior. Since the mongoose is not a commonly domesticated animal, she might have been wary of its presence and unsure of how it would interact with her and her surroundings.

3. Protective instinct:
As a wife and a mother, the farmer's wife may have had a natural protective instinct towards her family. She might have been concerned that the mongoose could pose a threat to her children or any other animals on the farm.

4. Past experiences or stories:
The farmer's wife might have heard stories or had previous experiences that influenced her perception of mongooses. These stories could have portrayed mongooses in a negative light, leading to her distrust.

5. Lack of trust in wild animals:
In general, some people may not trust wild animals, especially when they come into close contact with humans or show unusual behavior. The farmer's wife might have had a general distrust towards any wild animal, including the mongoose.

In conclusion, the farmer's wife did not trust the mongoose due to possible fears of harm, lack of familiarity, protective instincts, past experiences or stories, and a general lack of trust in wild animals.