Stories of Animal Sagacity | Page 8

attempted to get out; she could not open the door, the
window was too high to reach. At length, after some hours'
imprisonment, the door was opened. Off she hurried to the place where
she expected to find her dinner, but none was there. She was very
hungry, and hunger is said to sharpen the wits. She knew where the
rope hung which pulled the bell in the belfry. "Now, when that bell
rings I generally get my supper," she thought, as she ran towards the
rope. It hung down temptingly within her reach--a good thick rope. She
sprang upon it. It gave a pleasant tinkle. She jerked harder and harder,
and the bell rang louder and louder. "Now I shall get my supper, though
I have lost my dinner," she thought as she pulled away.
The nuns hearing the bell ring at so unusual an hour, came hurrying
into the belfry, wondering what was the matter, when what was their
surprise to see the cat turned bell-ringer! They puzzled their heads for
some time, till the lay sister who generally gave the cat her meals
recollected that she had not been present at dinner-time; and thus the
mystery was solved, and Pussy rewarded for her exertions by having

her supper brought to her without delay.
Instead of sitting down and crying when in a difficulty, think, like
sensible Pussy, of the best way to get out of it. In lieu of wringing your
hands, ring the bell.
THE AFFECTIONATE CAT THAT COULD MEASURE TIME.
The last story reminds me of Mrs F--'s account of the cat and the
knocker. That same intelligent little cat was also one of the most
affectionate of her race. Her young mistress used to go to school for a
few hours daily in the neighbouring town. Pussy would every morning
sally forth with her, and bound along beside her pony as far as the gate,
then going quietly back to the house. Regularly, however, at the time
the little girl was expected to return, the faithful pet might be seen
watching about the door; and if Missy were delayed longer than usual,
would extend her walk to the gate, there awaiting her approach, and
evincing her delight by joyful gambols as soon as she descried her
coming along the road. Pussy would then hurry back to the house-door,
that she might give notice of her young mistress's return, and the
moment she alighted would welcome her with happy purrings and
caresses.
Endeavour to be as regular in all your ways as my friend's cat. Never
keep your friends waiting for you, but rather wait for them. Show your
affection and wish to please in this as in other ways. Thank Pussy for
the excellent example she has set you.
THE CAT AND THE PRISONER.
While speaking of the affection of cats, I must not forget to mention a
notable example of it shown by the favourite cat of a young nobleman
in the days of Queen Elizabeth.
For some political offence he had been shut up in prison, and had long
pined in solitude, when he was startled by hearing a slight noise in the
chimney. On looking up, great was his surprise and delight to see his
favourite cat bound over the hearth towards him, purring joyfully at the

meeting. She had probably been shut up for some time before she had
made her escape, and then she must have sought her master, traversing
miles of steep and slippery roofs, along dangerous parapets, and
through forests of chimney-stacks, urged on by the strength of her
attachment, and guided by a mysterious instinct, till she discovered the
funnel which led into his prison chamber.
Certainly it was not by chance she made the discovery, nor was it
exactly reason that conducted her to the spot. By whatever means she
found it, we must regard the affectionate little creature as the very
"Blondel of cats."
Never spare trouble or exertion to serve a friend, or to please those you
are bound to please. Remember the prisoner's cat.
THE CAT AND THE HAWK.
Cats often show great courage, especially in defence of their young.
A cat had led her kittens out into the sunshine, and while they were
frisking around her they were espied by a hawk soaring overhead.
Down pounced the bird of prey and seized one in his talons.
Encumbered by the weight of the fat little creature, he was unable to
rise again before the mother cat had discovered what had occurred.
With a bound she fiercely attacked the marauder, and compelled him to
drop her kitten in order to defend himself. A regular combat now
commenced, the hawk fighting with beak and talons, and rising
occasionally on his wings. It seemed likely that he