Final answer:
In the Grimm brothers' tale "The Queen Bee," the field mice repay Simpleton, not a tin man, by promising to help him in times of need. They assist with the tasks needed to restore life to the castle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story "The Queen Bee" does not actually involve a tin man, but the character Simpleton, who is a kind-hearted prince. In the Grimm brothers' tale, when Simpleton saves the queen of the field mice, there isn't a direct mention of how the mice repay him immediately.
However, according to the overarching narrative, the animals whom Simpleton had helped, including the mice, later assist him in succeeding in the challenges posed by the old man at a castle. By working together with the animals, including the bees, ducks, and field mice, Simpleton is able to complete the tasks, which ultimately allows him to restore life to the castle and marry the princess.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) They promise to help him in times of need, as part of the overall assistance given to Simpleton by the animals he previously helped.