 CHAPTER 32 OF THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS AND BOOTS JUNIOR All the birds of the forest seemed to be at the wedding of Cock Robin and little Jenny Wren as Puss Junior and his little friends sat down beneath a big tree. The little squirrel cuddled up to Puss while the chipmunks sat close by. The muskrat and the beaver stood near at hand while the rabbit and the old bullfrog, who had climbed off the squirrel's back, looked out from behind the tree trunk. They were the most timid of all, so they hid behind the tree. While the birds were singing as sweetly as could be, it was certainly very beautiful wedding music, perhaps the most exquisite strains came from. The blackbird and the thrush and charming nightingale, whose soft notes sweetly echoes through every grove and dale. The bullfinch walked by Robin and thus to him did say, Pray mark, friend Robin Redbreast, that goldfinch dressed so gay. What though her gay apparel becomes her very well, yet Jenny's modest dress and look must bear away the bell. Just then Parson Rook looked over at them. Why, Puss and Boots Junior, he called out, come over here. And turning to the wedding guests he said, There is the son of the famous Puss and Boots. We are honoured to have so illustrious a person with us, and delighted, too, for he is a great traveller and a jolly good fellow. Puss Junior arose and bowed. Bring your little friends with you also, said Parson Rook. For all the forest folk are welcome. Who is there more loved, I would like to know, than Robin Redbreast and little Jenny Wren. Nobody, croaked the old bullfrog. No one, said Puss Junior. We all love Robin and Jenny, cried the squirrel and the chipmunk. And so do I, and so do I, cried the beaver and the rabbit together. As they finished the birds began to sing the wedding march. Then came the bride and bridegroom, quite plainly was she dressed, and blushed so much her cheeks were as red as Robin's breast. But Robin cheered her up. My pretty Jen said he, We're going to be married, and happy we shall be. I'm going to give her a gold piece for good luck, whispered Puss. I've got a nut, said the little squirrel, and so have I, said the chipmunk. We'll each give her a nut. I'll give her a fresh water pearl, said the old bullfrog. The rabbit and the beaver looked at each other. We'll have to run home and get something, they cried. CHAPTER 33 OF THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS AND BOOTS JUNIOR 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 Jen Broda. The Adventures of Puss and Boots Junior by David Corey. The bride receives some handsome presents. Don't be gone long! cried Puss Junior as the rabbit and the beaver ran off to their homes to get a present for Jenny Wren. You had better hurry, or the wedding will be over by the time you return. Don't worry about me, said the rabbit, whisking away at a great rate. I'll be back, never fear, said the beaver. Puss watched them out of sight. Then he heard the parson begin again. Oh, then, says parson Rook, who gives this maid away. I do, says the goldfinch, and her fortune I will pay. Here's a bag of grain of many sorts and other things besides. Now happy be the bridegroom and happy be the bride. Presently the little rabbit returned. Do you think she will like this? he asked Puss Junior, holding up a little white powder puff. I made it all myself. I had it put away in a little box for safekeeping. It's very pretty, said Puss Junior with a smile. What little bunny's tail did you cut off to make it with? Not mine, replied the rabbit, but don't ask me too many questions. Just then the beaver came panting up. Phew! he cried. I'd rather travel by water than by land, but anyhow I'm here. How do you think she will like my present? And he held up a little gold ring. Just the thing, cried Puss, but where did you get it? Oh, I found it on the bottom of the brook one day, replied the beaver. So I picked it up and hung it on a nail. I thought it might come in handy some day. When shall we give her the present? asked the squirrel. Wait, wait, said Puss. They're not married yet. Listen to Parson Rook. And will you have her, Robin, to be your wedded wife? Yes I will, says Robin, and love her all my life. And will you have him, Jenny, your husband now to be? Yes I will, says Jenny, and love him heartily. Then on her finger fair, cock Robin put the ring. You're married now, says Parson Rook, while loud the lark did sing. Happy be the bridegroom, and happy be the bride. And may not man nor bird nor beast this happy pair divide. The Adventures of Puss and Boots, Jr. by David Corey. Puss makes a new friend and gains a steed. Hi-ho! cried Puss, Jr., swinging his cane, as he marched merrily along. Hi-ho! for a short journey and a happy ending. Well said, my merry 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 the cats 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 a stride of a good grey 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 nae close at hand. And turning to see what manner of steed had answered so quickly their wishes, they beheld two fine grey 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's steeds. 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. End of chapter 34. Chapter 35 of the Adventure of Puss and Boots, Jr. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Adventures of Puss and Boots, Jr. by David Corey. Puss meets a hunter, and they both learned the owl is a useful bird. Well, that was a clumsy tinker, said Puss to himself as he guided his good gray horse into the highway. But I suppose he is no rider, and therefore is safer upon his own two legs. At any rate, I cannot stop to inquire, nor would I be of any assistance. So I shall ride away, thankful at my good luck in having a steed for a mere wish. As wishes are horses, pussy cats may ride, he said with a laugh. The gray horse proved a good roadster and covered many a mile before midday. Presently, on coming to a crossway, Puss decided to take the road that led through the woods. He had hardly entered when he saw a funny little man dressed like a huntsman. In his right hand, he carried a bow, and on his back was a quiver full of arrows. A small dog ran along at his heels, snuffing about continually, as if expecting to find a rabbit or a squirrel. Before Puss had gone much further, the funny little huntsman paused under a large tree from a hole in which an old owl looked out, winking and blinking his eyes. There was an old owl, I lived in an oak, whiskey waskull weadle, and all the words he ever spoke were fiddle, faddle, fiddle. A sportsman chanced to come that way, whiskey waskull weadle. Said he, I'll shoot you silly bird, so fiddle, faddle, fiddle. Bow-wow, yelped the little dog, suddenly catching sight of the old owl. There, now you've gone and done it, cried the funny little hunter, as the owl quickly drew in his hand. You're a fine hunting dog, you are. The little dog hung his tail and walked away. In another moment, on catching sight of Puss on his big gray horse, he set up another wild barking. What's that matter now, inquired the little huntsman. Oh, it's you, is it? He exclaimed, suddenly saying, Puss, your little dog is a better watchman than a hunter, said Puss with a grin. That is, he's a good old scout. Well, I'm glad to find out he's good for something, said the little hunter, for he made me just now lose a good shot at an old owl that was being hooted and tooting around my house for nights. I would have liked to put an arrow through his old head. You would, eh, screamed the owl, suddenly poking his head through the hole. Well, let me tell you, good sir, that I have caught more rats and mice in your old barn than your cat has. Is this the way you will repay a useful friend like me? The little hunter dropped his bow. I never thought of that, he said apologetically. Well, next time, think before you shoot, cried the owl. It may save you many a miss. End of Chapter 35. Chapter 36 of the Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. 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 Nan Dodge. The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. by David Corey. Puss goes on a shopping trip to make a little maid happy. The rose is red, the violet blue, the ghillie flowers sweet, and so are you. These are the words you bade me say for a pair of new gloves on Easter day. Puss, Jr. looked down from his horse at a little girl who was swinging on the front gate. He pulled up his good gray horse. A pair of new gloves on Easter day? Is that what you want the most? Yes, indeed, cried the little girl. I've got a new bonnet with red ribbons on it and also a gown of yellow and brown, a pair of silk hose of the color of rose and a lovely new pin with a big diamond in. A parasol, too, of purple and blue. Wait a minute, said Puss, you talk so fast and your words all rhyme and you've got so many things of so many different colors that I really don't remember whether you said you had a pair of gloves after all. No, my dear Pussycat, said the little maid with a pout. I have new shoes and new everything but gloves. Now won't you bring me a pair for Easter day? Where shall I buy them, asked Puss? I don't see any shops about and if I must go all the way to London for them, you'll never receive them in time for this Easter. Not far from here, cried the little maid, is a tiny shop where they make beautiful gloves. Take the first road to your right and then turn to your left and then turn to your right and then you'll see it. Phew, you, cried Puss, well, here goes. I'll do the best I can. But if I do not return, you will know that I turned to the left when I should have turned to the right and then that I turned to the right when I should have turned to the left and so got all mixed up and never found the tiny shop where the beautiful gloves are made. This was a long sentence for Puss but he was learning how to make conversation after the manner of little girls. But his good gray horse must have remembered the directions for he landed his small master safe at the glove shop. Puss, Jr. bought a lovely pair of gloves and remounted his horse. Soon he was back again in front of the little gate where a short half hour before the little girl had been swinging back and forth. She had disappeared but he heard her singing. Where are the gloves for Easter day? She cried running out of the door of the cottage. Here they are, my pretty one, said Puss. The rose is red, the violet blue, the ghillie-flower sweet, and so are you, sang the little girl, as she tried them on. These are the words you bade me say for a pair of new gloves on Easter day. Aren't they dear Puss, Jr., she said with a smile? Looking up at him. End of Chapter 36. Chapter 37 of the Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr., by David Corey. Puss converses with an intelligent gray donkey. Donkey, donkey, old and gray, op your mouth and gently pray. Lift your ears and blow your horn to wake the world a sleepy morn, called Puss, Jr., who always remembered his Mother Goose rhymes perfectly. The donkey paused in his grazing and looked up. This sleepy morn, he repeated, I don't call this a sleepy morn. I should say it was very wide awake. I guess it is, admitted Puss, but you see, I was only saying a little rhyme from Mother Goose. Well, I don't see how it applies to the present situation at all, replied the donkey in a rather ungracious manner. The only thing you have right is the donkey part. Puss felt rather crest-pollen. To be corrected by a donkey, generally considered one of the stupidest of animals, was not at all to his liking. Puss evidently forgot for the moment that all Mother Goose animals are very intelligent, for otherwise how would they have been celebrated in rhyme? But like a wise cat, he took the rebuke meekly and said nothing. Well, said the donkey after a pause, can I do anything else for you, sir cat? Granting that it is too late to wake the morn, there may be other requests with which I will gladly comply. Gracious me, thought Puss to himself, he uses big words. The donkey cocked up both ears as if awaiting Puss, Jr.'s reply. Which is the shorter road across Mother Goose land, inquired Puss? I don't know the exact number of miles, replied the donkey thoughtfully, but the road to your left is the shorter. The one to your right leads to the seashore. Gingerbread Bridge is at the ending. What! exclaimed Puss, Jr., why you don't say so. What do you know about Gingerbread Bridge? asked the donkey. I crossed it once and not so very long ago, either, replied Puss. Then you certainly don't want to take the Gingerbread Road, replied the donkey, so it is not hard to choose which way to go. Thank you, said Puss, turning his horse's head down the road to the left. I will take the left road, because it is the right road. Ha-ha! braided the donkey. That's a good joke for a cat. May you have a pleasant journey. Lift your ears and blow your horn, the sheeps and the meadow, the cows and the corn. cried Puss gaily. Although the morn is awake, I fear boy blue is still asleep. And with these words our small hero cantered down the road and out of sight. CHAPTER 38 of the Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. by David Corey. Puss meets a happy farmer, but misses a good meal. Poured noon of a fine day, Puss, Jr. halted his good gray horse near a meadow. Standing near the fence, sharpening his scythe, stood a young farmer. His wide straw hat kept off the sun, and his loose shirt and open collar let in the breeze which was blowing, across the green grass. Warm day, said Puss, as he drew rain. Well, replied the farmer, it's not so bad, I don't feel it. And he commenced to sing. My maid Mary, she minds the dairy, while I go a hoeing and mowing each morn. Gaily run the reel and the little spinning wheel, whilst I am singing and mowing my corn. Are farmers always so happy, asked Puss, when the man stops singing? The farmer smiled and said, My good sir, when one is blessed with a fine wife and a good farm, he can beat a canary bird at singing. You don't say so, said Puss, Jr., but suppose one has neither. What should such an unlucky one do? Don't ask me, said the farmer, setting to work again. I'm a simple man, and what his happiness for me might not be for another. As he swung his side back and forth, the tall grass fell in graceful rows, and the sweet scent of the new moan hay was everywhere. Suddenly Puss saw a field-mouse scampering over the ground. This was too much for Puss, he had eaten nothing since breakfast, and he had not had a mouse to eat for so long, that he had almost forgotten how mice tasted, jumping down from his good grey horse he gave chase. Go it, sir cat, cried the farmer, don't lose him. Puss needed no words of encouragement. He longed for a good run, and his mouth fairly watered at the idea of a nice fat little mouse for lunch. But the field-mouse saw him coming and wasted no time, away he went hopping over the grass and looking wildly about for a place in which to hide. A trunk of a fallen tree at no great distance attracted his attention, and with a final burst of speed he reached it and crawled into a hole, before Puss had the opportunity to seize him by the tail. "'Op, Shaw!' cried Puss, sitting down on the log. I surely thought I had him. "'You did, eh?' squeaked the little mouse, peering out of his hole, and laughing at poor Puss. I prefer to be inside this log, rather than inside even so famous a character as Puss in Boots, Jr. Now do you know my name, as Puss, surprised at what he heard? Why, I'm one of the three blind mice whose tails the farmer's wife cut off,' said the mouse. "'I thought there was very little tail to you,' said Puss. "'Or else you went into the hole so fast that it made your tail look very short, for I couldn't even get a little hold on it.' "'Well, having my tail clipped did me some good,' said the mouse.' End of Chapter 38 Chapter 39 of The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. by David Corey. Puss helps a stranger catch a runaway pig. To market, to market, to buy a fat pig. Home again, home again, jiggity jig. To market, to market, to buy a fat hog. Home again, home again, jiggity jog. To market, to market, to buy a plum bun. Home again, home again, market is done. A funny little man came dancing down the road. Before him he drove a fat pig, which squeaked and grunted loudly. To one of its hind legs was fastened a rope, the other end of which the funny little man held tightly in his hand. To market, to market, to buy a fat pig. Home again, home again, jiggity jig. Sang the little old man. How do you like my pickety pig? He asked, looking up, at Puss, Jr., who had stopped his good gray horse to watch the funny sight. He looks like a fine pig, replied Puss. Whoa there, pickety pig, cried the old man, as the pig began to struggle to get away. Look out, cried Puss, but the warning came too late. The pig had wriggled his foot out of the noose and went racing down the road. Take me up behind you, cried the little old man, then let us follow and catch him. Jump up quick about it, cried Puss, Jr. In a moment the little old man was on the good gray horse, who immediately set off at a gallop to overtake the pickety pig. It was a long race, for he had a good head start, and terror lent wings to his feet. Get up, cried Puss, digging his heels into the sides of the good gray horse. Get up! Don't you see the pig is getting away from us? Nay, nay, cried the good gray horse, as he gave a spring forward. Then go faster, screamed the little old man. Get up, yelled Puss, Jr., and this, the horse with leaps and bounds, came closer and closer to the fleeing pig. I've got the rope, cried the little old man. Make a big noose at one end, said Puss, and as we draw near throw it over his head. That I will, answered the little old man. When I was young I was a cowboy. I hope I've not forgotten how to swing a lariat. As good luck would have it he had not. All at once the little old man swung the rope in the air, and the noose fell over the pig's head. I've got him, I've got him, cried the old man, and Puss, Jr. pulled in his horse. The race was over, and the old man, jumping down to the ground, thanked Puss again and again for his assistance. End of Chapter 39 Chapter 40 of the Adventures of Puss and Boots, Jr. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Adventures of Puss and Boots, Jr., by David Corey. Puss helps a little boy who is in trouble. The town of Banbury Cross was very pretty, situated at the corner of two crossroads, close to a sparkling river over which ran a bridge. As Puss, Jr., on his good gray horse, whose feet went rackety, rackety, rackety tack over the broad planking, drew rain at the farther end, a small boy who stood by the side of a pretty little pony, began to sing. I had a little pony, his name was Dapple Gray, and lent him to a lady, to ride a mile away. She whipped him, she lashed him, she rode him through the mire. I would not lend my pony now, for all the ladies hire. Neither would I, said Puss. The little boy opened his eyes very wide. They were blue as the skies overhead and were full of tears. She whipped him, she lashed him, continued the boy. I'll never again lend my pony to anybody. I wouldn't lend my good gray horse, said Puss, for one never knows whether a person is kind to animals or not. I never thought a lady would hurt my pony sob the boy, just look at him. He's all covered with mud. So he is, said Puss, consolingly, but never mind, a good washing will fix him up. But my father will be angry, said the boy. He doesn't like to wash my pony, and I'm too little. Let's take your pony down to the riverbank, Puss suggested. We'll find a shallow spot and wash him off. Perhaps we can ride him a little way into the water. That would help. Tying his good gray horse to a post nearby, Puss led the pony down the bank to the river, the little boy following. Do you want to ride him in, asked Puss, or shall I? You do it, said the little boy, I'm afraid. So Puss jumped on the pony's back and gently urged him into the river. After going out some distance he stopped, for the water was almost up to his boots. I guess I can wash him now, cried Puss, and leaning over. First on one side and then on the other. He splashed up the water and scrubbed off the mud and dirt, until the pony was as clean as a whistle. Now exclaimed Puss, he looks like himself again. The pony seemed quite relieved also, for after gaining the bank he naved and kicked up his heels in a delighted manner. He looks better than ever, said the little boy. He was really quite dusty before I lent him to the lady. Yes, he's in fine shape, said Puss. I must now leave you, for I am on a long journey. Thank you, said the boy. A pleasant journey to you, my good sir cat. How our little hero, Puss in Boots, Jr., at last finds his famous father, Puss in Boots, at the castle of My Lord of Karabas, will be told in further adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr. End of Chapter 40 Recording by Nandodge End of the Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr., by David Corey