Sir Rat.

Master Tommy (looking out of the basket). How very big the world is, after all! Compared to it our basket seems quite small, We never dreamed, dear Fluffy, till our eyes Were opened, that the world was such a size. I’d like at once to see it all. Let’s go And take a stroll around it.

Fluffy. No! No! No! Mama expressly told us not to stray Outside the basket while she was away. Something might happen if we disobeyed. Tommy. Oh, you’re a girl—of course you are afraid! Fluffy. Suppose—oh, dear!—suppose we meet a Rat! Tommy. Suppose we do, dear Fluffy, what of that? I will protect you with my strong right paw. The sight of me would fill a Rat with awe. Fluffy. Would it? Tommy. Of course it would. I’d like to see The Rat who’d dare to trifle once with me, I do not think he’d live to try it twice! Fluffy. You are so brave! It really would be nice To see the world— Tommy. It will be grand. Here goes! There, take my paw, and jump. So, mind your toes!

Now we are off. Tread softly, Sister dear, If we’re not careful all the world may hear. Fluffy (starting). Oh, dear, what was that noise? I wish we’d stayed— Tommy (trembling). Be brave, dear Sister,—see, I’m n’-n’-not a’-afraid. Whatever happens, do not make a row!

Sir Rat. Aha! what’s this? Tommy. Help! Murder! Mi-ow-ow! Fluffy. Tommy, be calm! Dear Mr. Rat, good day. Sir Rat (jumping up and down). Enough! enough! I did not come to play! Fluffy. Dear Mr. Rat, how beautifully you dance. Sir Rat. You flatter me. Fluffy (aside). It is my only chance.

Run, Tommy! run! and bring dear Father-cat, While I remain and flatter Mr. Rat.

It’s very plain you learned that step in France. I wish, dear Rat, you’d teach me how to dance. Sir Rat. I do not often dancing-lessons give; But since you haven’t very long to live, And you are so polite, this once I’ll try. Fluffy. Thanks! thanks, dear Rat,—one dance before I die.

Fluffy. Bravo! Sir Rat, I never saw before Such perfect dancing! Won’t you dance once more? Sir Rat. Be done with folly, Kitten! Now at last Your time has come. Reflect upon your past! Fluffy. It won’t take long my past life to unfold! In sooth, Sir Rat, I’m only nine days old.

Sir Rat. Peace, Kitten! Hold thy peace!—thy time is past. (Springs upon her.) Fluffy. Miow! Miow!

Mr. Cat. Aha! Sir Rat, at last I have thee; and this barn will soon, I trow, Be rid of such a Ruffian Rat as thou!

Mr. Cat (sheathing his claws). ’Tis well I hastened; had I not, I fear We soon had seen the last of Fluffy dear!

Tommy. Oh, dear, to think what might have been her fate! Fluffy (aside). I learned that Polka step, at any rate.

Mrs. Cat. But luncheon’s waiting. Come into the house. Your father caught to-day a fine spring mouse. And, children, when I tell you not to stray From home, in future do not disobey!