TOODLEKINS AND FLIP.

FLIP [wakens up, stretches and yawns]— “Mieu, mieu, mieu, mieu, Our coats are clean, and our paws are, too; And mammy’s gone around the house To see if she can find a mouse. Mieu, mieu, mieu, mieu, Toodlekins sleeps the whole day through; This world is so dull, there’s nothing to do— Except, to doze again—mieu, mieu!” [Yawns and curls up.] Toodlekins [wakens up.] “Mieu, mieu, mieu, mieu, Flip’s sound asleep, and there’s nothing to do. I wish I could catch a great big mouse, Life is so dull in this old house! Mieu, mieu, mieu, mieu, There’s nothing at all for a kitten to do— Except to doze again—mieu, mieu.” Flip— “Toodlekins!” Toodlekins— “Flip!” Flip— “Toodlekins! Mieu!” Toodlekins— “I hear a nibble!” Flip— “I do, too!” Toodlekins— “Must be a rat! Such a great big noise!” Flip— “Maybe it’s one of those horrid boys!” Toodlekins— “No, it’s a mouse! I see its tail!” Flip— “No, it’s a rat as big as a pail!” Toodlekins— “I see its eyes! I see its tail! It’s mine!” Flip— “No, no! It’s mine! Take that!” [Cuffs her.] Toodlekins— “It’s mine, you horrid, robber cat!” Flip— “I saw it first! Take that, and that!” [Slaps and scratches.] Toodlekins— “You horrid cat, take that! Take—that!” The Mother Cat— “Meow, meow! Why, children dear! Is this what happens when I’m not here? For shame! For shame! There’s a baby mouse— The tiniest thing in all the house— Has just slipped away. Kittens must be quick and quiet If they would have fat mice for diet.”