Of course I run away when the chain is taken off. Who
wouldn't?"
"But you have enough to eat," said a thin cat who sat under the tree and
who was looking up longingly at the birds. "No one gives me anything to
eat until I cry for it. Then I am scolded for making such a noise. I
should be glad to catch mice, if there were any to be found in our
house."
"Still, you have a home," said a faint voice. "It is something to be
thankful for, if you have a place to sleep."
All turned to see where the voice came from. A forlorn cat came out
timidly from the currant bushes. It made Robert's heart ache to look at
her.
"You had a good home a few weeks ago," said Prince, "though I must say I
hardly knew you when you came up. Do have some of my dinner. I am not
hungry myself."
"Thank you," said the newcomer gratefully. "Yes, I had a good home, and
the children were kind to me. They have gone to the seashore now, and
the house is shut up. They are not coming back for weeks. I don't
believe I can live till then. I wish I were dead. I should be thankful
if somebody would be kind enough to kill me."
Her voice died out in a wail of despair.
Robert's eyes were full of tears, and he began to sob. Then he heard his
mother say:
"Why, my boy, what are you dreaming about? Wake up, dear.
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