 Chapter 6 of Pussy Blackface The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Shasta Oakland, California Pussy Blackface, The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends By Marshall Solunders Chapter 6 My First Fight Aren't things clear in this world? It seems as if cats can't plan ahead very much. All night, I dreamed of a poor, common cat. This morning, when I woke up, I began to worry about introducing her to little Mary. I had ached with the effort. I have never had any business to do in my life. My parents have always done everything for me. Actually, I have been started in the world with about only one instruction from my mother, and that is not to lie. Perhaps it is as good an equipment for the battle of life as a little cat could have. I don't know. I suppose I shall find out. Well, I must bring my common cat story up to date in my mind. I have been utterly astonished and confounded by her actions. Let me think over what happened this morning. I woke up early. I find that a care in a cat's mind will send her to sleep late and wake her up at times. I had to think about getting my friend's breakfast before anyone was a stirrer, for I suppose she would be too terrified to come from under the bed. I ran down to the basement. The cook was getting breakfast, and there was plenty of food lying about. I found two nice, broiled kittens. I just had to taste a little bit myself. It was so good. Then I ran like a fox upstairs. No one met me. The servants were all in their rooms, sweeping and dusting and getting things ready for the family. Soon the den bills would be coming down, for they are not lazy people. I bounded in Mary's room. I went under the bed. The cat was not there. I dropped the kidneys in a terrible fright. I crept softly around the room. I ran out in the hall. I went upstairs and down, and at intervals I kept coming back to the bedroom. Where was my poor friend? At last I pulled myself up short. I was getting dazed, and I was depending too much on my eyes. As I kitten was apt to do. I went back to the bed and smelt. She had been here recently. I lifted my head. The air was still full of common cat suggestions. I followed my nose. And now just let me think of my utter surprise and consternation. There was the common cat, curled up on my chair in the midst of my opera cloak. I was very angry, I say it with shame. She was in my place. You're surping the attention of my young mistress for their lay little Mary, wide awake, her head resting on her arm. Her face turned toward the cat on the chair, a smile of utter de-attitude playing about her lips. She was afraid of frightening the newcomer, but she'd never be afraid of that. I have made a discovery. The common cat is not shy. She is bold. That is, she is shy with enemies, but bold with friends, or perhaps I should say, sneaky. She would not have jumped up on that chair if I had been in the room. She took advantage of my absence. Perhaps I did wrong to be angry, but it was an awful blow to find her on my soft bed. I sprang right up beside little Mary. I tucked my head under her arm, and she stroked and caressed me. Oh, you dear thing, you are so sweet and generous. You don't mind that strange cat being in your chair one bit. Meow, meow, I cried angrily. I do. Mary was so taken up with the other cat that she never minded me, but went on absently patting my head and looking at that creature that was pretending to be asleep. How did she get here, black face? Did you bring her in? Oh, isn't it lovely? Why, I never heard of such a thing as that poor shy cat coming right into a house. I would just like to hug her. You needn't be afraid, I growled. She wouldn't mind, but still, I hope you won't. I'm your cat, and I tried to get between her and the stranger. Mary laughed and rubbed her face against my fur. You, darling thing, now I know you did lead her in, for you are trying to push me toward her, and you weren't a bit surprised to see her here. I sprang off the bed. What was the use of being bad when your little mistress was so good that she turned your worse actions into kind ones? With a very sad heart, I crept out in the hall, and, do you know, I had scarcely got out of sight before I heard a deceitful meow from that creature by the bed. She was trying to ingratiate herself with little Mary, and for a few minutes I had the pleasure of hearing nothing but sweet pussy talk from them both. Poor pussy pussy pussy, Mary would say, then the common cat would reply, meow, meow, and then I knew Mary was scratching her head for her. In fact, I was mean enough to peek in through the crack of the door. It made me sick, and after a time I could not stand it, so I crept downstairs. One of the housemaids took her broom at me, so I went down, down, till I got to the yard. There was Mona, sitting by her kennel, and looking as big and handsome as ever. By the way, I said to myself, I ought to thank her for her kindness to me last night, so I walked slowly up to her and said, Good morning, Mona. Good morning, she said, kindly. I am ever so much obliged to you for what you did last night. I went on. It was perfectly sweet of you. You got your cat in, she remarked. Yes, I suppose you smelt our double tracks. How is she getting on, Mona asked. I looked over my shoulder. I didn't want anyone to hear me, for Dolly, the other dog, was still in her kennel, so I jumped up on top of Mona's kennel. That brought me into a little patch of sunlight and also made me get a little nearer to her big bed, for when I sat on the ground, she towered way above me. Mona, I said confidentially, I am having a dreadful time. Are you, she replied, good-naturedly. You do look rather worried. I just can't stand that cat I went on. Can't stand her. That's pretty sudden. You loved her last night. Mona, I said, think of her actions. She came into this house on my invitation, and now she has taken my chair and is trying to wean dear Mary's affections away from me. Mona grunted. Now, how do you know that? You cats are always jumping at conclusions. I see her and hear her. I feel it, Mona. I can't explain to you, but I just know it's true, and I hate her. Mona didn't say anything, and I went on. I planned to have her come here and stay a little while, then have a good home found for her. Now, something tells me that she will never leave here. Well, suppose she doesn't. Mona, I almost screamed. Suppose she doesn't. You imagine I could stand having that low-down cat take my place, sleep on my chair, eat from dear Mary's hand? No, I will run away before I will endure that. Hush, hush, said the big dog commandingly. You are waking up, Dolly. Then don't be cruel, I said, solely. I believe you are on that cat's side. You are an excited kitten, said Mona kindly. Jealousy always wakes cats up. I am dreadfully unhappy, I replied, as tears in my eyes. I have half a mind to run away to Mrs. Darling. You would find more cats there than here, but they are my own family cats. I love them. Yes, you love them, said Mona shrewdly, but you have left home. If you go back, you will be twice the kitten you were before you saw something of a world. Do you mean to say that I would be jealous of my own dear parents and my brother and sister? No, not jealous, exactly, but you have an independent turn of mind, and you would not be willing to be as subject to them as you were before. You had better not go home, blackface. What shall I do then, I asked pitifully. I see my life is to be made miserable here. Your life will be what you make it yourself. You carry misery or joy inside you. No one can put it in you if you are not willing. I don't understand you, I said stupidly. Mona reflected for a few minutes, and she said, When I first came here, I was the only dog. Then, after a while, Darling appeared. I was dreadfully jealous. I felt just as you are feeling. When Mr. and Mrs. Denville petted Darling, I was nearly crazy. I became salty, and the consequence was that I was neglected. No one wants a cross-dog about. Darling was shown off to strangers and taken for walks, and I was left at home. One day, when I was home, here, moping in my kennel, I began to reason the thing out. Darling had as good a right to be here as I had. Mr. and Mrs. Denville had hearts large enough to hold two dogs, even though one was a pretty big creature. Why didn't I try to get on with Darling? And in that way, please, my master and mistress, the thing was worth trying. So, when Mr. Denville put Darling in the yard an hour or two later, I ran up to meet her. The poor little thing was frightened and crouched down, but I wagged my tail and licked her kindly. Mrs. Denville had come with her husband in the yard, and as she lifted her dog whip to strike me, he said, Don't, Maude, the Saint Bernard is getting over her jealousy. And did you, I ask, could you? Of course I did, returned Mona coolly. Make up your mind to do a thing and you can do it. You know, Mr. and Mrs. Denville, go for a walk together nearly every afternoon after he leaves his bank. They go away out Commonwealth Avenue and into the Fens. I used to enjoy these walks so much, but after I quarreled with Darling, they would not take me, and I suffered from lack of exercise. However, after I made up with Darling, the little creature would not go without me, and I assure you that we have lovely times together. I have never regretted my resolution not to indulge in jealousy. But Darling has a sweet disposition, I said globally, and this cat is a low down thing. That's true, said Mona cheerily, but you can try to improve her, be kind to her, and she will be kind to you. Are you sure of that, I asked. Mona looked thoughtfully. I must say, she went on, that there are some ungrateful natures in the world. I once knew a dog that no kindness would melt. Perhaps he was a little crazy. Perhaps he had had bad parents. This cat isn't crazy, I said with assurance. She is a snake. I don't like her getting in your bed when you are not in the room, continued Mona. If I were you, I would not let her impose on me. I would make her find a bed elsewhere, but my advice to you is not to quarrel with her. Be very patient and remember that it is better to be imposed upon than to impose on others. And my advice to you is not to run away and leave the field to her. Keep with your mistress, demand your share of the pezzing. Don't let the new cat get ahead of you. You have the advantage anyway. You are better bred, better looking, and cleaner. Those are not advantages, I said sorrowfully. Those are disadvantages. The worse looking a creature is, the better my dear Marion likes it. Then clean up the cat, lick her, let her to hold herself up, and not sneak along the way she does. Mona, I said, you are a good dog. I am much obliged to you for your advice, and I will run right upstairs and see what I can do. And I left her. I did run upstairs, but alas, I met Mary coming down to breakfast with the cat. She had a blue ribbon on her neck, the cat had, and her manner was enough to make one ill. The humility of it, and yet the sly pride, the look she gave me out of the corner of her eye. Stand aside, it said. I have got enough out of you. I have a friend at court now. I've ousted you. I did stand aside. Then I humbly followed them into the breakfast room. Oh, how careful human beings ought to be about new pets. I thought my heart would break as I sat under the table and watched little Mary's hands stealing down with scraps for that common tap. Once I used to get all those scraps. After a while, Mr. and Mrs. Denville came to the table, and then I had to listen to the whole story of the saintly common tap. How little Mary had just seen her, spulking about the common, and had pointed her out to me. That the poor creature had run when anyone went near her, and that early this morning, when Mary woke up, there she was in the chair by her bed. It seems like a lovely miracle concluded little Mary in a happy voice. Have you account for it, Harold dear, asked Mrs. Denville of her husband? This cat brought her in, he said shortly, and he looked under the table at me. Come here, black face. I was terribly proud. Mr. Denville rarely noticed me. I jumped up on a chair beside him, and he looked in my face. You brought her in, didn't you? He said with a twinkle in his eye. Oh, meow, meow, I replied, and I laid a paw on his coat sleeve. I've heard of such things before, you went on, still looking me in the eyes. My mother had a very intelligent, tabby cat that brought a sick friend to our barn and carried food out to it till it got well. How extraordinary, murmured Mrs. Denville. And you're a little bit jealous, aren't you? said Mr. Denville suddenly to me. I felt ashamed of myself. How had he known what was going on under the table? Come here, he said, and he took me on his knee and fed me from his plate during the remainder of the meal. Mary, he said, when he left the table, don't neglect the old cat for the new one. Just as if I could neglect my black face, said the little girl earnestly. Come here, dear, and she opened her arms and petted me, though I was so proud and happy that I forgot all about the other cat. She was watching me, though, watching me from one sly eye as she washed her face and pretended to be admiring the flowers in the window. I understood her tricks. After breakfast, Mary took me upstairs in her arms and the common cat had to follow after. However, as if to get even with me for this attention, she sprang up on my chair as soon as we arrived in Mary's bedroom. There, the little girl left us and went to clean her big canary cage, and I was about to follow her when I thought I had better embrace the opportunity of having an explanation with my rival. Cat, I said, I don't like your actions. She gazed at me steadily, and I had a good chance to look into her eyes. They reminded me of the pond on the common. They were muddy and looked as if there were all kinds of queer things down at the bottom of them. I said nothing, and she said nothing for a long time. Then she murmured in her cracked voice, what's threatening you? I didn't know what to say. Finally, I thought of one of Saruna's phrases and replied, Grandly, I don't like your mental attitude. What's that? She said impudently. I don't suppose you know that you have a mind, I said patronizingly. I know I've got teeth and claws, she said with a grin. You just bet I do. I am ashamed to say I forgot all about Mona's advice and love her and lick her fur. Something rose inside me, some kind of a swelling. Then I felt as if I had swallowed something very hot that burned so that I sprang up and just hissed. Get off my bed, will you? Come put me off, she said maliciously. I'm bigger new. I don't approve of fighting. I think it is wicked and vulgar, but at her words, a fierce joy rose within me. I thought what a delight, what an ecstasy it would be to stick my claws in her and drag her from that chair. I don't seem to remember anything more for a few minutes, but pissing and spitting and jumping and scratching and the most awful cat language that I've ever heard. It was my first fight and I didn't do any talking. I wanted all my breath for panting, for I was filmed and dragged and pounded and beaten and shaken till I was nearly dead. Dear little Mary was in the bathroom singing and talking and fussing with her canaries. She didn't hear us and no one else was near enough, but presently there was a step. I didn't hear it, I was too far gone, but the sly cat must have heard it, for she'd dropped me like a chap and flew up into my chair. I lay for one minute, then I dragged myself under the bed. I thought I was dying, but I didn't want anyone to see me. My instinct was to keep out of sight. The oldish woman, who was Mary's nurse, came into the room. I heard her give an exclamation, then stopped short. Miss Mary, she called. The dear child came running in. Just look at that cat, said the old woman. Oh, oh, cried my dear young mistress. Why, her eyes are scratched and her nose is torn, oh, my poor pussy. And she went down on her knees and began to dab at the common cat's face with her handkerchief. Nurse, please get me a wet towel. Oh, the poor cat. Who could have scratched her soul? Depend upon it, it's that kitten, said the old woman. She's a high-strung little article. My dear blackface exclaimed Mary. Oh, no, she is gentle. Who could have done it, the nurse said, Gremlin. I didn't. Perhaps some bad cat ran in, said Mary. The nurse shook her head, and then I stopped watching them. I was more dead than alive, and I never stirred, though I heard Mary calling me everywhere. She did not think of looking under her own bed, though I think she looked under all the other beds in the house. Finally, her mama made her go off to drive, and everything was quiet in the room. The bed had been made, so no one came there to disturb us. And I lay on the carpet and tried to recover myself, and the common cat laid on the chair and spat at me if I stirred. After a few hours, I felt better. I could move my paws, and my body did not ate so much. I got up, tried to stretch, and could not. Then, not minding the hissing from the chair, I dragged myself out of the room and downstairs a step at a time. There was a large mirror set into the wall at the head of the first staircase, and I had a look at myself as I went by. My fur was rumpled badly, and I looked ill, but there was not a scratch nor a drop of blood visible. Somehow strange, poor from what Mary had said, I knew a great deal of blood had run out of the common cat's wounds. How was it that I, a kitten, had been able to scratch her while she had not given me a cut? I would ask Mona about it, and I went on dragging myself painfully down the staircases till I reached the yard and saw the dear old dog sitting in front of her kennel. Well, she said, getting up as I approached her. What have you been doing to yourself? You look played out. Let me by, I said painfully. I've had my first fight. She allowed me to crawl into her kennel, and she lay down and put her head in the doorway. Here, she said kindly, let me lick you a bit, it will massage you. Oh, if you will be so kind, I said, I feel as if I had been pounded all over. So you have, she replied, as her big tongue went over me very gently, but very firmly. I can feel that you have had a mauling. Your new friend, I suppose. You told me to love her, I said weakly, but somehow or other the first thing I knew, we were in the midst of a fight. That sometimes happens, said Mona philosophically, if one loves too hard. I suppose I did not go about it in the right way, but Mona, it makes me so mad to see her in my chair. I told her to get down, and she wouldn't. Then I sprang at her, and I wounded her. She has lots of scratches, and blood came out of them. Why haven't I any blood on me? Because kitten, returned Mona calmly, she knows how to fight. You don't. This isn't her first battle. Some dogs fight that way. They'll injure you inside so that you will nearly die, while other dogs merely rip your skin a little. I think I'd rather be ripped than pounded on a marble hearth, I said miserably. So would I, said Mona. You'll be a long time getting over this. However, you are a kitten, and will recover more quickly than a cat would. You suppose she will be a long time getting over her scratches? I asked. I wouldn't like to injure her permanently. You couldn't, kitten, said Mona with a laugh. She will be all right tomorrow. When you fight next, choose some cat your own size. But you don't advise fights, I remarked anxiously. No, never fight unless you assure you can beat the other cat. But how can you be sure? You can't be. Now, how do you feel? Much better, ever so much. There is healing in your tongue. Now, put your head down and go to sleep, said Mona. And I will watch and see that no one disturbs you. And she lay down in front of a tunnel. It is wonderful what a nap will do. In about an hour, I awoke very much refreshed. Can you walk, inquired Mona? Yes, pretty well, I said, limping out of the kennel. Then creep upstairs, see if the coast is clear to your room, and if the cat is still on your bed, come back and tell me. I did, as she requested, though I didn't understand why I should do so. Painfully, crawling up and painfully crawling downstairs, I at last stood before her and said that there was no one in the halls. The servants were busy with lunch. Then lead the way, she said. I gazed at her in surprise, but she made no explanation. And I entered the house. She followed me. We saw no one till we were opposite the big hall door. Then we heard the click of a latch key. And Mr. Denville threw open the door and stood before us. He gave Mona a glance of surprise. She rarely came in the house. The good old dog walked up to him and licked his hand. Then she put her noble, honest head on his arm. Oh, you want something, do you? He said, well, go on. She did go on. And after a look at me, Mr. Denville followed us. It was such a funny procession I saw in the mirror as we went upstairs. First I, a little cat with a black and white face, then a big dog, then a big man. I went right to Mary's bedroom. Mona walked in with me. Mr. Denville stood in the doorway. The common cat lay on the opera cloak with a white bandage over her face. She was giving herself great airs on account of that bandage. But I think she was a little frightened when she heard Mona. However, you can't tell much from her mud-colored eyes when she doesn't want you to. Mona slowly paced across the room, slowly took the common cat by the neck, slowly carried her to the door and set her outside in the hall. Mr. Denville stood aside to let Mona pass. Then he smiled in a peculiar way. The common cat dazed about her through the halls, cut in the bandage for her eyes as if uncertain what to do. Then she walked toward a nice sunny window that there was in the hall. Across it was a big sofa with cushions. Nearby was a bookcase. The cat went under the sofa and Mona looked well pleased. The common cat might sleep there. She was not to go in the bedroom. What a happy cat I was. I gave Mona a grateful glance and then I went and sprained on my chair. Mr. Denville laughed aloud and calling to Mona went downstairs. Later in the day I saw her and she said Mr. Denville took her right to the pantry. He saw a big broasted chicken there on a platter and seething the chicken by the legs he gave it to her. Mona said that she passed the cook at the lower hall and her face was something indescribable. But of course she didn't dare say a word as Mr. Denville was escorting the good old dog. All day I have been so happy. The common cat has not dared to once come in the bedroom. Little Mary understands the matter. At lunchtime there was a great laughing at the table. I heard and echo of it up here and dragged myself through the head of the stairs to listen. Mr. Denville was telling his wife and Mary about Mona and the common cat. When Mary came upstairs she made a nice bed on the hall sofa for sly boots as her father called the common cat. There she has been all day and Mary pets me in here and then goes out in the hall and pets her. I think this is a very nice arrangement. We agree, united we fight. Perhaps in its time sly boots will get to like me better. I have no feeling of resentment against her. I only want her to keep out of my way. I wonder what my family would say about this. I fear they would be shocked if they knew I had been quarreling. All but Jimmy Dory, he loves a fight. Well, I must go to sleep. I wonder how the new cat and I will get on tomorrow. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of Pussy Blackface The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends This is a LibriVox recording. While LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Pussy Blackface The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends by Marshall Saunders Chapter 7. A New Sensation For a week I haven't thought about anything but my lame back and my aching sides and my stiff legs. I've been unable to move without pain. Every day Mary has lifted me off my chair and has encouraged me to move about the room. I had to go out on the balcony and sit in the sun a little while lest I should get too stiff to move. However, the effort until today has been very painful to me and I soon knew to be lifted back to my soft opera cloak. Mr. Denville had a cat doctor come to see me. She was a lovely woman with glasses on. She felt me all over and looked at my tongue with a nice medicine to take that had catnip in it. Today I have been ever so much better and this morning and this afternoon I have had a new sensation that has taken my thoughts off myself. It thrilled me at noon. Mary had carried me downstairs to her papa's library where he was sitting waiting for lunch to be served. Mrs. Denville was with him. She sat in a big green chair by the window and the sunshine was streaming all over her brown head and her good face and her pretty light dress. Herald she was saying to her husband as Mary entered the room this is a lovely day. Spring will soon yield to summer. Yes, he said it will. What arrangements do you wish to make for the summer? I don't know, she said thoughtfully. Did you enjoy yourself last year? He asked keenly. Mrs. Denville smiled peculiarly. Then she said I did and I did not. Was sensible, wasn't it? He said sarcastically. That great hotel cram with people. Everybody that we knew and everybody that we didn't want to know. Every woman dressed to extravagance and every man sulky and a stiff collar and tight fitting coat. All those hotel verandas were bliss. His wife left merrily. Herald I think our summers lately have been too much a repetition of our winters. That is as far as society goes. I wish we could do something different. Would you like to go to Europe? He asked and be seasick. No, thank you. But perhaps you would. Too far from business this year. Perhaps you would like to go yachting. Herald I am getting to hate the water. There are so many accidents. What do you want to do anyway? I want to go somewhere where I can wear an old gown and lie in a hammock all day. Little Merri was listening very intently to this conversation and seeing her interest I listened too. I am tired from this winter's gayities Mrs. Denville was saying and in addition to that a quieter place would be better for Merri. We will go up to my old home up in Maine said Mr. Denville decidedly. I have not spent a summer there since I was a boy and you and Merri have never been there. Mrs. Denville looked doubtful. It is rather primitive is it not? She asked. Little Merri let me slip to the floor and walk toward her father. Oh dear Papa would you take us to the old farmhouse? He nodded his head and I could see the cows and the other things. I've never lived on a farm. Oh do let us go. Just now the conversation began to appeal to me personally. This was talk about leaving Boston the place I had been brought up in what was going to become of me if the Denville's went away. Meow meow I cried suggestively and I crawled slowly to Merri's feet. She looked down at me. If we go to the farmhouse I could take blackface couldn't I? Her father nodded again and Mona and Sly Boots and Dolly and the Canaries pursued Merri in a delighted voice. Oh how lovely! Hotel people are always so horrid about animals. Oh blackface what a lovely time we shall have and she caught me up and walked slowly about the room. She never runs and skips as other girls do it hurts her back. Blackface she said suddenly wait here I must I just must go upstairs and tell Merri and Sly Boots about this and she went as quickly as she could out into the hall. Mrs. Denville looked significantly at her husband Merri does not like hotel life. He sighed heavily and stared down at me as I pressed up to his feet. I did not dream last year Mrs. Denville went on in a low voice till the summer was over what the poor child was going through the attention she excited as being set apart from other children the sympathy from strangers though grateful to her was afflicting. You see she is getting older and more self-conscious. I knew it said Mr. Denville shortly why did you not tell me Harold asked his wife gently why did not Merri tell you he asked because she said earnestly and the tears started in her eyes because she is so unselfish because you were both too mindful of my comfort you make an egoist of me how she replied Merri is coming back Blackface said Merri excitedly when she re-entered the room this is very wonderful news I think I must go up and tell Mrs. Darley about it Mama couldn't I be excused from lessons this afternoon really I just feel boiling inside you knew how I wanted to see the place where my papa was born he has told me such lovely stories about it why did you not tell me that you wish to go to Maine asked her mother reproachfully Mrs. Mama dear I thought I might make you feel sorry you see you had to be born in the city so I asked Papa to tell me those stories only when we were alone and when have you been so much alone asked the lady sharply when you were at teas and lectures and concerts Mama and making calls you know you used to go more than you do now Mrs. Denville played with the rings on her finger I thought she looked sorry about something so I went up to her and crawling on the footstool beneath her feet I managed to get on her lap she bit over and stroke me and then I saw that there were tears in her eyes I licked her pretty fingers but she found my tongue rough and smiled and pushed me away and may I be excused from lessons Mama asked Mary coming up to her it isn't that I don't want to study and my dear little mistress shook her head earnestly but I really feel so peculiar that if I don't get out somewhere I shall fly all to pieces you are no shirk said her mother gently and she put her arm around her you are an honest child you need not explain certainly you are excused from lessons I will telephone to Miss Roberts I will take you wherever you wish to go well thank you thank you said Mary and she caught her mother's hand and pressed it to her lips this moment Anthony appeared in the door announcing lunch and they all went out together all through the meal the little girl chatted about the country and it was beautiful to see her parents' eyes resting on her they said very little but they answered all her questions when we went upstairs Mary had to go and lie down and not speak for one hour this was her old nurse's decision when she saw her flushed face I felt flushed myself but there was no one to make me lie down so I gave way to my excitement and crept out into the hall I absolutely had to talk to someone so I thought I would try that queer sly boots Mary had made a nice bed on the lounge and she lay there looking like a gutter queen she always wore a ribbon Mary didn't put one on me but she had to do something to give sly boots distinction this is great news I said going up to the head of the sofa sly boots gave me a disdainful glance as if to say it doesn't take much to excite you were you ever in the country I inquired nope she replied briefly do you want to go nope will you run away when the time comes for you to be packed nope she said again do you want to talk about it I went out eagerly nope do you want me to go away yah she said rudely so I went I made my way downstairs and out in the yard Mona and Dolly would like to hear the good news but bless me they knew it already human tongues and dog tongues and cat tongues carry news like the wind Anthony had heard Mr. and Mrs. Denville talking and the table maid had heard and they had told the house maid and the house maid had told the cook and the cook had told the kitchen maid and Mona had overheard and so she knew and Dolly knew however the dogs were glad to get further details from me Mona asked me first how I felt and said that she had missed me during the last week then she wanted to know how sly boots was behaving or so beautifully I said she lets me alone and I let her alone that is the best way when there is incompatibility of temperance at Mona you absolutely can't get on with some creatures without quarreling well this is great news about the country isn't it and I remarked Gloria said Mona Hardley I love the country I've heard of me and I said cautiously is it all country it is all country isn't it now what is the country like you know I've never been off Beacon Hill what do you imagine it is like she asked something like the common very like it suppose each house on Beacon Hill had a piece of land attached to it that is the common and even much larger why you couldn't see the cats in the next yard I replied in surprise Mona opened her great mouth and laughed heartily couldn't see them nor hear them nor the dogs either but you'll have to go to the country little cat to see what it is like what do you think about it Dolly I asked as she crept toward us Dolly is the meekest gentlest most timid oddest dog I ever saw she's afraid of everything and everybody and she never was whipped in her life some ugly person was to spend all their time in beating her grandmother or grandfather Mona said to me one day for she is the most scared thing that walks the streets of Boston why when Mr. or Mrs. Denville want her to go to walk they have to spend about five minutes coaxing her to come out of her kennel today when I asked her what she thought about going to the country she looked perfectly terrified she crept up to Mona for protection she's afraid of bears and wolves and foxes said Mona kindly the dog next door heard that we were going to Maine and he has been stuffing her he told her he knew a spaniel who went up there and came home inside a wildcat that his master had shot how cruel I said indignantly there aren't any wild animals in Maine are there Mona none to hurt there now Dolly prick up your rear this little cat has Dolly's nerves were too shaken to raise her long silky years and she retreated into Mona's kennel she's got the quakes badly today said good old Mona with the shake of her head I'll have to stand guard here till she gets over them and I must go back to my young mistress I said for I think she will take me to see my parents today goodbye Mona goodbye pussy she said look away from sly boots she's a solitary cat Mary did take me with her when she went to drive what a strange time I had with my family let me think over what they said and I said sly boots did not drive with us Mary wanted to take her but she drew back she had no reason to like the streets and I was very glad to go without her as soon as our carriage drew up in front of Mrs. Darleys and Mary found that she was not at home my heart sank but to my great delight little Mary said to her mother Mama dear let me leave blackface here with her parents and we can call for her later you will won't you Mrs. Denville smiled certainly if you wish though I think it is in excess of sentiment and then she handed me to the footmen and winked mischievously at Gertie who was holding the door open and Gertie lifted me into the hall in excess of sentiment I wish Mrs. Denville could have seen my mother's face as I slowly walked into the sitting room cat mothers can feel as well as human mothers and wasn't my dear one glad to see her kitten come creeping toward her she met me halfway she smelt me and licked me and her soft damp nose told a tale she had heard of my troubles they had all heard for they all got up to receive me there was no sun in the window this afternoon but still they were all lying on the broad seat on the cushions I was conducted to the place of honor in the middle and they all began to talk to me Father and Serena and Jimmy Dory but mother didn't talk she just licked how do you feel hey said Jimmy Dory giving me a rough pat with his paw pretty sore I guess how did you hear I asked sharply well you see said Jimmy Dory since you went down to Beacon Street daddy found that he has a cousin living in the house next to you she is a white engora with blue eyes and she came from Maine when he did the dog in the house where there is a great gossip regular dickens of a fellow just here Serena interrupted him and begged him not to swear dickens isn't swearing is it daddy and my brother appealed to her father it is rough and in elegant talks my parent grandly and that is the next door to swearing Jimmy Dory not a bit of bash continued to talk to me this fox terrier is a regular mischief anyway and she tells awful lies but usually there is a little grain of truth wrapped up in his lies we got the news the day after father's cousin and gora girl they call her heard faint cat screams from your house one day last week she told the fox terrier and the fox terrier asked your big dog Mona what had happened Mona said it was none of his business to attend to his own yard and she would attend to hers however this fox terrier smarty wasn't to be put down that way so the next time Mona's back was turned he cornered the little dog what do you call her Dolly I said yes Dolly he told Dolly that he would chew her up and spit her out if she at this point my sister Serena interrupted him again father she mewed piteously must I be forced to listen to this backyard vulgarity no you shall not send my father any motion with his paw for Jimmy Dory to stop Jimmy had to and then my father motioned for Serena to proceed with the news that they had heard it seems began Serena grandly that your spaniel has been endowed with rather a pulse synonymous disposition I tried not to laugh for Jimmy Dory was saying oh glory in my ear do you mean that she is a coward I asked certainly that is the signification of my definition she's afraid of her own shadow I said apparently so for the fox terrier cowed her dogged her you mean mother Jimmy Dory cowed her into submission went on Serena severely and Dolly had to relate the entire disgraceful occurrence afterward the fox terrier rehearsed the matter to the cat known as Angora girl and Angora girl communicated the news to a cat who was next door to us and she gossiped over the wall Jimmy Dory the story as it reached our ears was to the effect that you had excited braved her in some way roused the indignation of the street cat sly boots she had inflicted summary castigation on you even to the extent of bruising pounding otherwise injuring your body and Serena lifted her head looked at me through her imaginary glasses as if to say I am sorry for you but I feared it served you right what kind of cat is this sly boots anyway inquired Jimmy Dory she is a poor outcast cat I replied and I have tried to find her an elegant name remarked Serena ironically and she hurt you very much murmuring my mother in my ear she gave me a fearful beating I said frankly you have not yet told us the occasion of the altercation said my father I told all about sly boots then with a humble air I waited for the verdict of my family fighting began my father solemnly slowed down older way of settlement disputes and brings not only the participant but also his or her family and he stared significantly at Jimmy Dory into disagreeable and unendurable prominence just what I say interposed Serena with a toss of her head here I am being pointed out as the sister of the fighting cat on Beacon Street it's fun isn't it when you get your head said Jimmy Dory to me in a low voice I shook my head I found no fun in fighting I should have advised you continued my father not to let it happen again well pleased to think that I had gotten off so cheaply I yet plucked up courage enough to say meekly suppose she takes my bed again choose another said my father decidedly you are only a kitten now if it were a question of a cat of my age giving up his bed it would be another matter suppose another cat should take your bed father I inquired humbly what would you do he said nothing but there was a dangerous glitter in his eyes he looked at me I bet you'd wallop him till there wasn't a grain of sense left in him exclaimed Jimmy Dory feelingly then he ran under a big chair uplifted threateningly this seemed a good time for me to throw my sensation in among them my dear family I said impressively I have a tremendous piece of news for you I am to be taken from Boston my mother stopped looking me and put her head close to mine as if to listen more attentively my father and Serena were immensely impressed but try not to show it while Jimmy Dory took advantage of their abstraction and crept from under the chair to his former position beside me go on said my father commandingly well I continued the denvils are going to the country for the summer I am to be taken with them also sly boots and the dogs and the birds what country where is it inquired Jimmy Dory breathlessly to Maine I replied then I was silent for this was my great stroke was the far distant fable country that my father had come from he had only alluded to it vaguely for indeed I don't think he remembered much about it having been only a kitten when he left it but to us his kittens it was a land of dreams of fair promise of beauty in fact just the kind of place an adventurous little cat would like to visit well cracky mutter Jimmy Dory I wish I could go too you would get lost in the woods said disdainfully and bears would eat you you are not going alone said my mother anxiously who will be there to protect you oh I shall keep close to Mona I assure you if there is any danger I replied do not be afraid dear mother don't you remember that I said all the family are going Mr. and Mrs. Denville and their daughter oh she replied in a calmer voice but she was very uneasy I could tell by her looks my father so far had not spoken now we saw him looking his lips and we all watched him to catch the words of wisdom that we knew he would let fall the first question is he said clearing his throat whether the kitten is to be allowed to go oh I said in my turn I'm a pretty good sized creature now and being out in the world I am rather getting unused to parental control however I've been brought up to consider submission a necessary thing in kittens so I listened respectfully let us hear the arguments for and against he said and then he paused I vote she goes to Jimmy Dory without waiting to let ladies speak first plunged into a speech in defense of the free exercise of cat will my father listened with a disapproving air when Jimmy Dory had finished he said young fellow your words are only a while chewing of the air in favor of individual cat rights now tell us plainly why you consider that blackfish should be allowed to go to the country because she wants to sit my brother bluntly no reason at all reply my father promptly rather reason for her to stay at home the young of any creature invariably wish to do what is not good for them father said Jimmy Dory in a sudden rage you don't want to hear arguments for her going you only want to hear arguments for her staying hush my son replied our parent authoritatively my eldest daughter will now stay clearly and succinctly her reasons or rather her views on the subject of this far away and doubtful trip for blackface end of chapter 7 chapter 8 of see blackface the story of a kitten and her friends this is a Lieberbach's recording all Lieberbach's recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Lieberbach's.org recording by Shasta Oakland, California pussy blackface the story of a kitten and her friends by Marshall Saunders chapter 8 Serena astonishes us Serena stood up she was addressing the audience and her imaginary glasses were more in evidence than ever Mr. Chairman and ladies and gentlemen she said with a slightly scornful dwelling on gentlemen as she turned for an instant toward Jimmy Dory the subject before us as I look at it is this the family is a sacred collective body of persons or cats who live in one house and under one head or manager and she gracefully bowed to her father now as one member of this body a right to violently and they detach itself without the consent of the others yes it has grumbled Jimmy Dory under his breath oh meow meow come off the roof pussy and talk sense I don't think Serena heard him for she drew a long breath and went on if such a thing should happen that one member of this sacred collective body should wish to withdraw or form outside connections of its own me thinks it would be most compatible with reason for that member to be one of the older members of this same sacred family oh ho heard Jimmy Dory in my ear the green eyed monster has got our sister the tail she's jealous of the youngest member of the sacred collective body to condescend to the present case pursued Serena steaming grandly along with her speech should a young kitten undertake all alone a long and perilous journey into the wilds of an unknown land Jimmy Dory clapped his paws together yes yes she should Serena glared at him no a thousand times no do not risk the Benjamin of the family in any wild impractical search for happiness rather let the young and frivolous creature remain within the circle of the sacred family of the older members heroically and generously offer herself on the altar of family affection let the kitten stay and comfort the declining years of its aged parents let the dear sister cat go she had to stop here no one could hear a word of what she was saying on account of Dory's actions he suddenly fell over on the heap of cushions he just yelled with delight Serena blared angrily at him for a few instances her speech was not half done then as he did not recover she took to slapping and pinching him finally she pushed him on the floor Dory rolled over and over kicking enjoyably and just shrieking with laughter and wickedness he only controlled himself when my father joined Serena and they both cuffed and beat him into submission I never saw my father the piebald prince in such an unprince like rage stand there sir he said holding Jimmy Dory in a corner and explain yourself and he gave him another whack to bring him to oh spare your wrath for mercy's sake and let me just a few breaths take gasped Jimmy I will explain I will electrify you my revered and honored sire you have been deluded sir basely deluded and humbug what do you mean you young villain inquired our parent still holding Jimmy in the corner and gazing suspiciously over one shoulder toward the door as if fearful that some wicked stranger had entered the room nay sir panted Jimmy Dory with a ludicrous imitation of Serena's grand manner the danger lies not without just within we are all victims of a fraud sir a shameless lying fraud my poor father was so bewildered that he did not know what to do and yet he might have known that it was only some of Jimmy Dory's tricks if you don't explain yourself he said furiously I will give you the greatest mauling that you have ever had yet Jimmy Dory partly recovered himself sir I would not have you soil your paws with the fighting you so much detest now listen and your wrath will be diverted from your hopeful kitten son to your eldest hopeful kitten daughter our Serena sir our talented eldest sister as ambitions outside this same sacred family for answer our father shook him Jimmy Dory went on unconcernedly you yourself sir have often pointed out to me the fact that cat nature is full of contradictions would you dream that cultured domestic home loving sister Serena has ambitions beyond our domestic heart that in cat's spirit she daily lightly roams the world in search of adventure you are a storyteller responded my father excitedly stop these aspersions on your sister's character Jimmy Dory put up a protesting paw and went on a long time I have suspected it when sister blackface out into the world I fancy that sister Serena slightly envied her now my suspicions are verified your eldest daughter sir is trying to pull the hair over your venerable eyes she wants you to recall blackface and let her take her place my father was just about to shake him again when Jimmy Dory dexterously wriggled himself away and cried look at her is not Duke painted on her shameless face we did look at her and if ever a cat looked guilty Serena did she stood with grouping head no words came to her there was an awful silence then my father said to her Serena do you wish to go out into the world and leave us meow she said faintly then go he replied sternly and he turned his back on her it was a fearful blow to my father he had so crowded himself in Serena's beauty for accomplishments her devotion to him her love for her home now she not only had deceived and flattered him the teenest pain of all she wished to leave him and go in search as he calls them vulgar adventures such as I am having Serena felt dreadfully and so did my mother Jimmy Dory did too for he suddenly stopped grinning and make a goose of himself and went and lay down in a corner come said Serena under her breath to me let us depart do you really intend going away with me I asked yes she said sulkily and firmly are you going to the Denbils of course she replied snappishly where else should I go oh very well I return just as you wish of course I have taken one cat there already I suppose there is a limit she pretended not to hear me and walked slowly toward the doorway when we got there my mother stood in it she gave Serena a dreadful look then she put her paws round her neck oh get away mother did Serena pivishly pushing her aside you have never understood me I went close up to my dear mother I rubbed against her I licked her sad face then I said to Serena you go on I am going to stay at home do you suppose I will go to the Denbils without you she said angrily come on this very instant and she bit me on the neck go my mother softly then she turned her head away and closed her eyes the parting was too bitter for her we had all been so used to Serena's domination that I stupidly followed her to the hall door I paused Serena I said I must wait till little Mary comes for me goose she replied and how am I to get to Beacon Street perhaps they will take you that would be very likely she said ironically then she just screamed for Gertie to come and open the hall door soon we found ourselves on the sidewalk Serena led the way oh isn't this glorious she said sniffing the fresh air how delightful is liberty this is what I have been pining for in that dull house of ours I have been longing for freedom for an opportunity to preach the gospel of culture how I shall astonish those main cats I was so puzzled that I did not know what to do what would the Denvils think of me I was a regular cat agent don't go in the front door commanded Serena when we got to the house by the way we had several frights going down two dogs chased us but as it was the middle of the afternoon the streets were full of well-dressed people and Serena and I were sharp enough to keep near them and they soon draw the dogs away why don't you want to go in the front door I asked because I want to see the dogs and I had my curiosity excited on their subject stupidly forgetting that Mona and Dolly would be out for their daily walk with Mr. Denville I conducted her to the kennels of course they were vacant so I led her in the house through the washroom kitchen and store rooms the cook met us in the lower hall oh what a beauty cat she exclaimed when she saw Serena I say Rosie and Bridget come here Serena in great gratification purred around the three women and held aloft her handsome tail she beats the little fellow hollow said the cook staring at me yet there is a look of the beauty in the fright where do she come from I wonder Rosie the housemaid was laughing she beats the dutch that little chappy blackface does she is always bringing cats home lead on to the upper regions said Serena in my ear I am tired of this vulgar admiration I did lead on Serena glanced approvingly in all the rooms as we passed she liked the dining room the reception room but particularly the library there is culture for you she said surveying the books Mrs. Darley hasn't half as many tomes as these what do you mean by tomes I inquired a tome means as many writings as are bound in a volume and a volume means a book show me your bedroom to get to my room we had to pass sly boots in the hall introduce me said Serena imperiously quaking on my velvet paws I walked up to the big sofa by the window sly boots I said my sister Serena wishes to be introduced to you sly boots shut her eyes and pretended to go to sleep what a charming vista remarked Serena going close up and peering out over her shoulder at the long avenue of the trees on the common like a flash sly boots put up her paw and scratched her right down the nose you rude thing gasped Serena and she fell back come in here I said and rushed into Mary's bedroom of course Serena was my sister I had to let her get up on my bed and for an hour she made me sit and lick her nose it was quite sore but my licking kept it from swelling and making her look ugly after a long time I heard the carriage stop before the house then little Mary ran upstairs and hugged me in her arms and hugged me you darling thing I was afraid you were lost why did you not wait for me then her eye fell on Serena why pussy dear she said how did you get here mama mama and she ran in the hall and met Mrs. Denville here is one of Mrs. Darley's pussies we must send her right back Mrs. Denville looked puzzled however she rang the bell in Mary's room and sent for Anthony Serena did not resist she knew that this would probably happen she fawned on Mrs. Denville and Mary heard round them but they did not understand her Anthony took her home and in an hour she was back again Mrs. Denville returned her once more and this time Serena got back before Anthony did then Mrs. Denville began to comprehend the affair and smiling peculiarly she called Serena and went into her own room Harold she said are you here Mr. Denville came out of his dressing room in his church sleeves and stopped rubbing his face with a towel to look at us as we stood there his wife Serena and I well he said expectantly do I see double or have you another blackface there it's blackface sister replied Mrs. Denville and she is acting so strangely she won't stay at home and Anthony says that Mrs. Darley is very much amused and sends word for us to keep her if we wish her cats like their homes so they do said Mr. Denville as a general thing but there are cat cranks as well as human cranks come here run away Serena glided up to him oh the grace and elegance of her motions dear me he said what style manners we have something pretty high toned here Maude but we don't want three cats said his wife with a laugh ship them to Maine he replied and he laughed too and went back into his room Serena was in an ecstasy she posed she swam through the air she threw out her chest she held up her head she was addressing an audience of country cats she was being hailed as the talented lecturer from Boston I really thought she would expire from happiness when we came to bed she swelled so or perhaps I should say she expanded so enormously with happiness and gratified conceit that there was no room for me in the big chair beside her I crept to the foot of Mary's bed and here I lie watching Serena's pretty chest rise and fall in a gleam of electric light that shines through the window it seems like a dream that she should be here I was so privileged in my bed I am happy to have my sister with me and to see her so happy but I don't like her manner of leaving home little Mary, by the way does not seem to take to Serena she is very kind to her but she does not pet her as she does slyboots and me I was thinking tonight as I lay here that I had had one sensation today in the thought of going to Maine for the summer I should rather say I have had two for Serena's being here is just about as wonderful as my proposed journey I suppose I am to be allowed to go I know my father did not want me to but now that he is so annoyed with Serena I have a feeling that he would not let either of us return home I am dreadfully sleepy I wonder whether I shall dream of Maine or Serena End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of Pussy Blackface The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Pussy Blackface The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends by Marshall Sounders Chapter 9 on the train I have not had a good long think for some time In the first place I have been turned out of my bed Nothing upsets a little cat like being deprived of her usual sleeping place Then I find myself in a place where it is too hot and stuffy to think I became tired and irritable and at night I could neither sleep nor meditate After we left the stuffy place I found myself in this home where everything is so quiet that I could do nothing for two nights but lie awake and think of the stillness You listen to the noises in the city and in the country you listen for them Let me see when was it that I had the last good long think and made a review of my own conduct and that of my friends and families It was just after Serena had left Mrs. Darley and had come to the Denvils that was the beginning of a very upsetting time for me Serena kept me on the go for a long time She would not stir without me and she got more independent and I was left in peace She never went home again before we came here for we are now in lovely Maine I did several times I got so bold that I would run up Joy Street quite by myself My parents were always glad to see me and Jimmy Dory regularly used to stand on his head for glee when he saw me coming He missed Serena dreadfully but he had no thought of running himself The parents are a trifle dull for a young fellow like me he said but that is all the more reason why I should stay with them They took care of me and amused me when I was a young fellow and I ought to take care of them and make things a little lively now that they are getting old Then sometimes I go down in the kitchen and play with Jane She's getting quite civilized I approved of his sentiments He always asked me about Serena and how she was getting on Serena is quite a bell I said Cats come as far as from Arlington Street to call on her Does anyone pet her? Jimmy Dory used to ask Yes I said but she doesn't care to be too much handled The caress now and then is all that she wants She likes Mrs. Denville better than anyone She sits in the drawing room with her the greater part of the time This habit of Serena's of sitting in the drawing room was rather a trial to me for Mrs. Denville sat up late and Serena would never come to bed until that lady did She loved the pretty gowns of Mrs. Denville's friends and the music and talk and the sweet cakes and tea and the admiration she excited I didn't mean that part of it but what I did mind was having Serena come walking boldly to sleep She always woke me up with a stroke of her paw and made me run my tongue all over her body to compose her nerves for the night she said It was nice for her nerves but discomposing for mine and that is why the time of her coming to Beacon Street is rather confused in my mind I had no chance to think it over properly for she deprived me of my rest and made me sleepy before we broke up I think it was about a fortnight then a child next door had scarlet fever and Mrs. Denville was in great fright on account of her own daughter She bundled little Mary right out of the house and the child went in such a hurry that of all her pets she was only able to secure me Her nurse went with her and for some days we were with Mary's grandmother a fashionable old lady who had a suite of rooms in a big hotel I don't know why old ladies like to live in hotels I should think of the feeling of having so many people in a house who was bad for a young cat it would be worse for an old woman However, Mary's grandmother liked it Her name was Mrs. Ainsley I was nearly crazy There was no noise, no confusion only a great many well-dressed people but it seemed to me that I should suffocate There were so many curtains and draperies, so many thick carpets so much dark wood and such a smell of rich food I don't think the human being's mind at the food smell as much as I did In the open air I should have liked it but in this hotel it made me miserable I could not eat well nor sleep well I was cross and disagreeable and my tongue became coated Mary never took me to drive here Her grandmother would not let her and the only outing I had was a short time every day I was allowed to go on a balcony and look out over the city We were pretty high up and it made me melancholy to see how far I would have to jump to get to the street However, I had no thought of running away I was not miserable enough for that but how I did wish that Mary's grandmother was a poor woman living in a house with a yard Well, an end came to it One day there was a great talking between Mary and her nurse Mary and Mary were in Maine several times repeated Then Mary came and caught me up Tomorrow morning, darling pussy, she said, we are going to Lovely, Maine We are all to meet at the station Oh, how perfectly beautiful I shall be with Mama and Papa again I was so pleased that I didn't know what to do When Mary put me down I went and crowded myself against one of the closed windows and looked at the busy street below I had a dull headache but I just felt happy Mrs. Ainsley being an old lady hated the cold and she kept her rooms at a suffocating heat all the time Well, the next morning came very early I found myself aroused by Mary's nurse old Hannah who was stepping softly about the room Then little Mary woke up and hurrying out of bed as fast as she could The child began to dress herself In about an hour Mary had gone to her grandmother's bed and had said goodbye and we were down in the big dining room getting an early breakfast After that came a drive in a carriage then a meeting in a big, big building with Mary's parents It was a joyful time but dreadfully confused I stared in dismay at the groups of people Some were standing quietly Other men and women were rushing to and fro as if they had just lost their pet cat trying to find her Fortunately my dull eye wandering about in quest of more friends fell on Mona I slipped from Mary's arms and ran up to her How do you do dear Mona I'm so glad to see you Do tell me what this great building is Why I should think it would cover the whole of Beacon Hill This is a railway station Blackfish, she said kindly See Anthony over there buying the tickets Are you coming in the baggage car with me I don't know what a baggage car is I replied Do you see those long things over there Those funny little houses on wheels I asked Yes, those are railway cars Some are for men and women Some for animals Some for other things Here's Anthony The young man at this moment approached Mr. and Mrs. Denville touching his cat Then he came up to Mona and fastened something on her neck What is that, I'm mewed My check said Mona Mr. Denville has to pay for me At that moment I heard Mary's voice in distress Blackface, blackface, where are you I ran back to her and Mrs. Denville looked down at me You should have had your cat put in a box or basket, Mary Oh, mama, can't she go in the car with me She's making rules and she will be happy in the baggage car with the other creatures Serena is there and Dolly and the canaries and Mona is just going Anthony will ride with them She put up a finger and Anthony, who was now leading Mona by a chain, came near Take this cat, said Mrs. Denville and put a collar and string of some kind on her I sprang into Anthony's arms I did not wish to be tied to anything, ma'am, said Anthony I don't think she would bolt She might, said the lady decidedly put a cord on her in case of accidents Still holding me Anthony went up to a kind of little shop on one side of the building and bought a collar and chain Then with me in his arms and leading Mona he passed through some big gates and we went alongside the rows of funny little houses on wheels I was so glad he had me in his arms the people pressed and jostled blessed, but Mona was so big she did not seem to care At last Anthony stopped, climbed up some steps and entered one of the cars as Mona called them I saw an open door behind us Inside were lovely soft seats and many persons seated on them but we did not go in there Right in front of us was a kind of store room or lumber room with old trunks and boxes and some new ones There were also some bicycles The morning baggage master I heard Anthony say and a man in his short sleeves came toward us Were the rest of your critters The man pointed to the other end of the car so we walked on Mew said a cat's voice and there to my delight was Serena looking at me through the slats of a box Well Serena I said How do you do? I'm glad to see a member of my own family again I'm very well she replied calmly, how are you? Oh nicely, I am sorry to see you in that box Sorry she repeated bridling unamicably why I was put in here for protection they were afraid that something would happen to my lovely fur I see you are not boxed I grin from ear to ear No I said I am not worth boxing, where is Sly Boots? Here beside me in this other box I looked at it Sly Boots was curled all in a heap She would hate this racketing place She wouldn't uncurl herself when I spoke to her so I gazed round for Dolly She was flat on her face in a corner the perfect heap of misery She is used to the train too said Mona in her rumbling voice has often been on it before Look up Dolly, I am here Dolly raised her head and as Mona's chain was fastened to a ring to the side of the car she slipped between the big dog's front paws and sat there cowering and trembling the canaries were in a cage hanging up on the side of the car there was a thick cloth all over them and perfect stillness inside they did not like travelling any better than the rest of us I was sorry for Sly Boots I knew she was suffering and I was pleased when that then he tied me so I could sit beside her box pretty soon we started and glad I was to get out of the dreadful noise and confusion of that building bells were ringing, smoke was puffing men, women and children were still hurrying and the air was full of distraction for cats the gliding motion was rather pleasant until we began to go bumpity bump and rattle rattle I did not like that however I saw there was no danger Anthony did not look frightened nor did the man with a funny cap on so I plucked up courage and whispered to Sly Boots it is all right you are quite safe and we were on our way to lovely Maine she never stirred and I turned to Anthony he had dragged a stool right in the mist of us and sat there quietly looking at us from time to time he was a kind hearted young fellow and if he had not been he would not have dared to neglect us for I had heard the Denville's talk of having discharged servant after servant for being unkind to animals Anthony did not love us as the Denville's did he rather made fun of us but still he was kind to us and that was good in him we soon rushed along at a fearful rate I never dreamed that Boston was so large I thought Beacon Hill was the most of it why Mona I amused at the top of my voice to make her here where did all the houses come from she smiled at me the horses in the world then you ever dreamed of little cat suddenly we stopped with a jerk what is this I asked curiously is it to give the horses a rest the what inquired old Mona wrinkling her forehead the horses who were dragging us had they stopped to take breath and get a drink of water Mona just roared with laughter excuse me black face she gasped after a time but I cannot help it listen our motive power does not consist of horses but steam steam I said in astonishment like the tea kettle steam yes my kitten yes and how many kettles does it take Mona at this laugh so obroariously that I paid no further attention to her but looked at the man whom Anthony called the baggage master had he gone crazy the train had stopped and he had pushed back further to her on the side of the car it was throwing all the boxes and trunks outside oh how angry he was I was perfectly terrified soon he would get to our corner then would he throw us out no for there set Anthony quite calm and collected and reading a newspaper Mona I said timidly for by this time she had calmed herself and was only snickering occasionally you wouldn't let that man hurt me would you that man the baggage master yes Mona don't be afraid when your turn comes to be handled he will be quite gentle I saw Anthony giving him a good big tip a tip yes money to be good to us meow ice cream suddenly for as the baggage master stood panting and glaring after his fit of fury some other crazy men outside began to fling back all that he had just put out however I did not need to be afraid for now his rage was quite over and he seized the things rapidly and put them all neatly into the corner of the car furthest away from us Mona I said indignantly it was hardly safe to put us in with that violent creature if Anthony should leave us I'm sure we would go out hush pussy said the good dog authoritatively he is only doing what he is paid to do at every station he must throw out passengers luggage and take on more a sudden light broke over me was that what he was doing see there are the denvils trunks behind us continued Mona those big ones with md and hd on them oh thank you thank you Mona replied I am a very foolish cat let me know when we get to main I am so confused with this racket that I'm going to lie down close my eyes and I press close up to sly boots box Serena was gazing at everything with wide open eyes I don't think she understood things any better than I did but she was too proud to ask questions before we went to sleep that night I would probably have to explain everything to her I lay down and got up again and close my eyes for hours and then open them it seemed to me that our journey would never end are we going around the great big world Mona I asked warily no no pussy she replied gently only over a little bit of it I gazed out the large door on the side of the car for it was a lovely day and the baggage master left it open a little bit if he had closed it I should not have seen a thing for the windows were high up in the sides of the car we're passing through another big city then came fewer houses then green grass and trees like the common is this the country I asked Mona yes we're in the real country now but not in Maine no not yet I will let you know when we reach Maine it was beautiful if it was not Maine and the scenery kept changing not steady rows of trees like the common nor one little pond but many trees set different ways for each pond lakes Mona called them and rivers just when we were getting weiriest we had a very pleasant diversion Anthony picked up a basket from the floor and gave us all something to eat how good those sandwiches tasted then he gave us some milk which he poured from bottles into a pan I considered it was very thoughtful in him to have provided this lunch and said so Mona it would not have occurred to Anthony to do it in the bottom of the basket were some nicer sandwiches for Anthony he gave some to the baggage master and they seemed to calm him still more I went to sleep after our lunch I actually had a real nap till I was awakened by someone saying in my ear this is Maine your lovely Maine my eyes flew open lovely Maine what was the dirty part of a city that we were passing through but this is not the country I said no replied Mona but we shall soon come to the country parts Maine has some towns and villages you know it is not all fields and woods I did not know I said confusedly then I began to watch to watch just as an ordinary cat looks after a mouse our family was not much good at catching mice my father is a little bit disinclined to exert himself and Serena thinks mouse catching vulgar we must make some difference between ourselves and common cats she often says so let it be as regards our table well I did not at first find Maine very different from Massachusetts however after a while there was more forest while looking forest and Mona told me that in those woods the gentlemen from Boston came to shoot deer now blackface she said at last be all alive Anthony and the baggage master have just been saying that we are near our destination I told Serena and Sly Boots Serena's eyes sparkled but Sly Boots never uncurled herself poor Dolly pricked up her ears just a little bit and I stretched my neck to see all I could from the car door this is the opening of the valley said the baggage master the black river valley those are the purple hills on the north and the green hills on the south have you ever been here before I asked Mona no never but I've been in other country places this is very charming though charming it was exquisite and quite took my breath away Serena I said can you see not a bitch she replied bitterly describe it to me is it like the common yes and no there are huge green trees and grass and water but the common has no big things against the sky like big great rows of houses with trees standing on the top of them be more explicit I beg of you she exclaimed irritably you are exceedingly confused in your statements I will tell her kitten interposed Mona in her calm voice Serena we are just entering a long flat valley with low ranges of hills on each side the train is gliding among beautiful fields and orchards farmhouses are scattered here and there there are strips of forest land in many little streams we have not yet come to the black river thank you said Serena prettily your description heightens my desire to escape from the protecting confines of this traveling cage Mona glanced at the grocery's soapbox she was in and grinned then her heavy nostrils moved delightedly and she said smile kitten my own little nose went like a rabbit oh Mona I said how perfectly delicious what is it apple orchards and bloom the valley sheltered and the trees blossom earlier here than elsewhere just then we swept right by the front door of a large old fashioned house put here of course before the railway was built said Mona now look kitten we are entering the largest orchard yet I did look I had never seen anything like this on the common I must say the shape of the apple trees seemed rather low and squatty but the look of them oh Serena I screamed they are all dressed for a party pink and white oh what beauty they are not common trees they must be Angora trees I cannot see mute Serena excitedly but I can smell what delectable odors how I wish are out of this box that perfume exceeds and goes beyond the catnip I don't know about that I said doubtfully but it is very delicious the water is running from my mouth you vulgar things said Serena disdainfully and she would not speak to me for a long time there were more farms and farmhouses more meadows and patches of tall dark pine woods they seemed to have every sort of scenery in this valley said Anthony Good humoredly then he began looking around to see if we were all right how many minutes to black river station baggage master the man looked at his watch five he said I was greatly excited and the five minutes seemed as long as an hour however they passed the train stopped slowly and Anthony got up and leading Mona hurried out the door at the end of the car the baggage master handed the rest of us down very carefully to him through the big door at the side of the car all the fierceness had gone out of him end of chapter 9