PUSS MAKES A NEW FRIEND AND GAINS A STEED
Reading edition
HEIGH-HO!" cried Puss, Jr., swinging his cane, as he marched merrily along—"heigh-ho for a short journey and a happy ending!"
"Well said, my merrie Lord Cat," cried a voice. A tinker by the roadside looked up as Puss was about to pass him by.
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. If turnips were watches, I'd wear one at my side. And if 'ifs' and 'ands' Were pots and pans, There'd be no work for tinkers!"
"I guess you are right, my good sir," said Puss, pausing and looking at the old tins that the tinker had set down on the ground. "If wishes were horses, I'd have one at once, for four legs are better than two, and horses' legs are meant to travel, while a cat's are not made especially for that purpose."
"You are an observing cat," said the tinker, with a twinkle in his eye.
"I speak from experience, my good man," said Puss, "for I have used my legs for traveling these many miles, and when I look at a horse, I cannot help thinking he has the better of me as far as legs go."
"And when I look at my legs," said the tinker, "I think how well they would look astride of a good gray horse."
"Let us both make a wish," suggested Puss, half in fun and half in earnest. "Wishes do come true at times, you know."
"Very good," replied the tinker, "I'm wishing."
"And so am I," said Puss.
To their utter astonishment they heard a shrill neigh close at hand, and, turning to see what manner of steed had answered so quickly their wishes, they beheld two fine gray horses in the meadow close by. Leaning their heads over the fence rail, the two animals gazed at them with expectant eyes.
"Why, they already have on their saddles and bridles!" cried the tinker, with amazement. "Are you a fairy cat? Do your wishes always come true?"
"That is a nice question to answer," replied Puss, "but in this case, you can see for yourself."
"Well," said the tinker, "let us not refuse this stroke of good luck. I, for one, shall mount one of yonder steeds."
"I GUESS YOU ARE RIGHT, MY GOOD SIR," SAID PUSS
"And I will ride the other," cried Puss, nimbly springing over the fence. Thrusting his foot into the stirrup, he sprang into the saddle and waited for his friend the tinker. Alas for the clumsy tinker! As he attempted to mount, the bundle of old tins made such a rattle that both horses jumped in fright, and in another moment ran off at a great rate. Puss clung tightly to the reins, and, on looking back, saw the bewildered tinker still standing by the fence, while his horse careered across the meadow, kicking up his heels and snorting at a great rate.