PUSS, JR., MEETS ANOTHER CAT AND MORALIZES ON CONTENTMENT
Reading edition
FOR some time Puss, Jr., traveled with the circus, but at last, finding that he could make better time if he traveled alone, he said good-by and started off by himself. Perhaps he remembered the old saying, "He travels faster who travels alone." At any rate, he made up his mind on this point and set bravely out by himself.
But he was not lonely, for he was continually seeing new sights and new people.
One morning as he trudged along a road bordered by green meadows he saw at some little distance ahead a large apple-tree. As he drew near a pussy-cat ran up the trunk.
Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree, Up went Pussy-Cat, and down went he; Down came Pussy-Cat, away Robin ran; Said Little Robin Redbreast, "Catch me if you can!" Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a wall, Pussy-Cat jumped after him, and almost got a fall; Little Robin chirp'd and sang, and what did Pussy say? Pussy-Cat said, "Mew," and Robin flew away.
"What are you trying to do?" asked Puss in Boots, Jr., stopping in front of the tree and looking up at the pussy-cat, who sat upon the wall, looking after the robin, who had flown away.
"I'm not trying to do anything," replied the pussy-cat, crossly, "but I was wishing I had wings."
"They would be very nice," replied Puss, Jr., reflectively; "they would be most convenient at times."
"Indeed they would!" answered the pussy-cat; "they'd be lots better even than red-topped boots."
Puss looked down at his feet. "Perhaps," he answered, "but I have found my boots most helpful. Do you know," he continued, "if people would be a little more contented with what they have I think they'd get more."
The pussy-cat did not answer for a few minutes. Then she said: "What you say is very true. I suppose I ought to be thankful that I have such nice strong claws. It's not hard work climbing trees, and, as far as running goes, my legs carry me very well. Perhaps I don't need wings, after all."
"Well, I never saw a flying cat," admitted Puss, Jr., "although I've seen some remarkable things since I started out to find my father, Puss in Boots."
"So you are a traveler," said the pussy-cat, jumping down from the wall and walking up to Puss. "How long have you been seeking your father?"
"A long, long time," replied Puss, Jr. "Do you know, sometimes I almost get discouraged, for this is a big world and at times I feel so very, very small."
"Well, you come home with me," said the pussy-cat, "and get a good rest. I think you're tired out." This was the truth, for he had traveled far that day.