The Book of the Cat | Page 2

from this uncalled for abuse, but directly in
her path stood the black-and-white cat with lashing tail and flaming
eyes. Another turn, and she was again confronted by the grey,
crouching angrily ready for another attack.
Snowball's heart seemed to stand still, and she shut her eyes and waited
for the end, when with one bound the black cat stood between her and
her enemies. He began battle instantly, and so vigourously that it was
impossible to stand before the whirlwind of flying claws and snapping
teeth that he seemed to have become. Soon his opponents retired with
inglorious haste, and he was victor--Snowball was saved!
In the silence that followed Snowball cautiously opened an eye and
peeped around. Peace! And her deliverer again lapping at the puddle of
blue milk that was spreading from the overturned saucer across the
broken flagstones. He saw the timid glance and moved a little to one

side with a gesture of friendly invitation.
Gratefully she crept to his side; the black and white noses bobbed
busily up and down together as the pink tongues darted in and out, and
the milk rapidly disappeared.
That afternoon Snowball brought Ebony home with her and seemed so
fond of him that I could do no less than ask him to stay, and for the first
time they sat in their now usual resting place--down at my feet on the
warm red tiles.
How do I know about the rescue? Ah, that's quite a story, too; not
to-day, Dear.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]

"Scat!"
Said a greedy old tramp of a cat: "I declare, I heard someone say 'scat!'
Of course I might run; But t'would spoil all this fun, And I don't see
much reason in that."

"Kittens will be Kittens."
The kittens were playing a sort of "follow-the-leader" in and out of
their comfortable box of straw, while Mrs. Tabby Cat sat patiently by,
only occasionally glancing at them to make sure that all three were
safe.
Things were very comfortably arranged for the little family of pussies
out in the barn, and the only possible danger to the cat babies was the
St. Bernard dog's drinking dish which was set down into the barn floor,
very near the wall, and kept filled with water. One of the grooms had
arranged it one idle afternoon, more for his own amusement than for

any real need so to place it.
"Mr-r-r-owh!" trilled Mother cat warningly as Frisker wobbled over
toward her greatest dread, that dreadful water! "Do stay near me,
kittens; then you won't tumble in and get drowned."
"Miew!" answered the three kittens, in three different keys. "Don't
worry about us: we're all right!"
Folly, the white-nosed kitty, rose gaily on her tottery hind-legs for an
instant and cuffed playfully at her mother's ear, then started across the
barn floor as fast as a fat three-weeks-old kitten can tumble, followed at
once by Frisker.
Calico saw them go and, anticipating a frolic, at once made up her
mind to be in it. She lifted her heavy little head and started eagerly
toward her stronger sisters; but the progress was slow, for Calico was
feeble, and the weak little legs would slide apart, while her tail waved
wildly from side to side in the effort to keep her balance.
She was a strong-minded small pussy, though weak in body, and she
kept steadily on. As she drew near her goal she felt very strong and
proud! One or two surprising sit-downs and a very hard bump on the
pink nose in no way dampened her enthusiasm; but alas! the fall that
always follows pride dampened both enthusiasm and her whole wee
self for a time.
Just as she was becoming quite reckless, almost prancing, with feet
stepping at least half an inch from the floor, there suddenly yawned
directly in front of the astounded kitten the six-inch chasm of the
drinking dish! She toppled; her tail gave a single wild twirl; and she
splashed heels over head into two inches of water!
Mrs. Tabby, who had been anxiously watching the unsteady promenade
sprang to the basin at once and leaning down tried to pull Calico out by
the nape of the neck. To the frightened and shivering kitten--that had
upon touching bottom at once gained its feet--this would have been
quite as unpleasant as the cold water that was now chilling her through

and through, so she protested in shrill wails.
Though she was too heavy for the little mother to lift, still Mrs. Tabby
would not give up, and tried to claw her kitten out with sudden dabs, as
she took the fish from the brook. This was more than any kitten could
stand, and Calico rebelled openly; she spat at her worried mamma! (Of
course, she did