 CHAPTER 1 of PUST JUNIOR AND ROBINSON-CRUSSAU One day, as Little PUST Jr. was traveling through New Mother Goose Country, he came to a funny little house, all covered with rose and vines, even up to the top of the small red chimney they grew in Crimson Splendor. And as PUST stopped to look at the pretty sight, a tiny bluebird in a cage on the front porch began to sing. Jack Spratt had a pig, who was not very big. He was not very lean, he was not very fat. He'll do for a grunt, says Little Jack Spratt. Oh, no, thought PUST, and he turned into the yard and walked around to the little red barn. There stood Jack Spratt himself, leaning against the stye watching his pig eat his dinner. Well, just then, all of a sudden, a swarm of golden bees came humming into the little farmyard, and before long they had made home in the empty beehive that stood close by. You have brought me luck, said Little Jack Spratt, turning to PUST. Now I shall have honey, and with bees and a pig I shall grow rich and supply all Mother Goose Country with good things to eat. And would you believe it, the pig began to grow fat, and the bees to buzz out of the hive and wing their way over the roses for sweets with which to make their honey. Then Jack Spratt asked PUST to come into his little house, and when he went to the cupboard to look for bread and butter, he found all kinds of good things to eat. What luck you have brought me, said Little Jack Spratt. But PUST was as much surprised as he. But pretty soon, when they had sat down to the table, they heard a strange little voice from the hearth, and looking down they saw a tiny black cricket who began to sing. I'm just a little cricket, but if you let me stay within your house this winter you will not rue the day. It is the little cricket that brings you luck, said truthful little PUST Junior. And then Jack Spratt began to laugh happily, for up to this time the pig was the only thing he owned, and that wasn't very much, let me tell you. Oh dear no, not in these hard times when eggs are worth their weight in gold, and a gallon of milk costs a ton of silver. All by and by PUST Junior once more went on his way, and perhaps pretty soon he'll find his father the famous puts and boots, unless a great big husky giant jumps into a trolley car and turns the coin box upside down to see how many nickels there are. End of Chapter 1. Well a big husky giant didn't jump into the trolley car, as I feared he might in the last story, so little PUST Junior kept up a search for his dear father until late in the evening when he came to a city on Goosey Gander River. For the moment I've forgotten the name, but if I remember it I will tell you later. At any rate it won't matter much, for PUST didn't stay there long. Well, as I was saying, he entered the city, tired and hungry, where he had traveled far that day, and as he walked up the brightly lighted street he heard a man say, Saw ye out of my love a coming from the opera? Around her throat a string of pearls, and on her neck two little curls. Saw ye out of my love a coming from the opera? My good man, I'm a stranger and have just arrived. I have seen no string of pearls, nor little curls on any pretty little girls, answered PUST wearily, for he was too anxious to find a nice lodging-tin at his pearls and curls. Dear me, sighed the man, and he took off his opera hat and flattened it, and then snapped it out again, which made a little news boy open his eyes and say, Do it again, mister, it sounds like a pistol. Well the man wouldn't, so the little news boy ran off, and PUST turned away, for he had no time to be talking to opera-goers at that time of evening. By and by he came to a narrow street, at the end of which shown a little light, so he turned down, and presently found himself in front of a little house. In the hammock on the front porch sat a pretty yellow hen, swinging back and forth, and every now and then, singing to herself, It's after ten, it's after ten, time for bed for yellow hen. Good evening, said PUST, taking off his plume hat and bowing politely. May I ask for a night's lodging? I'm tired and foot sore, and have traveled many miles in new mother-goose country. The little yellow hen flapped her wings, and fluttered down to the piazza. Come, she said, stretching out her right wing. Travellers are always welcome. We hear a little down at the end of the narrow street. Tell me some news, my good sir cat. Are you sure you were not too sleepy? Asked PUST. It was only a few minutes ago you were singing, It's after ten, it's after ten, time for bed for yellow hen. But the little hen only laughed and said, I must wait up for Mr. Rooster. He's the cocket early done, who blows on the mare's auto-horn, to wake the city and stir them in, to be up and at their work again. Just then a gaily feathered rooster walked up the steps. But what he said, I shall have to tell you in the next story, for it's so late now that I must say good night. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of PUST, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Dickery Dare Pig. You remember, I hope, where I left off in the last story. Just as the rooster came up the steps of the little house at the end of the narrow street where PUST, Jr., was making a call on the little yellow hen. Well, he was very much surprised to see our small traveler, but nevertheless he was most polite. He stretched forth his right wing to shake hands when, all of a sudden, Dickery, Dickery Dare. The pig flew up the stair. A very funny thing to do and made the rooster doodle-doo. Gracious me, oh me, oh my, screamed the little yellow hen. That awful pig will just spoil my stair carpet. This made the rooster all the more angry at the Dickery Dare Pig, as he called him, and he started to cross the piazza. I'll spare him when he comes down, he said, and he waited at the front door. But Mr. Pig took no chances. He stood upstairs until the little yellow hen began to cry. I want to go to bed. Puss, by this time, was also very sleepy, and the gaily feathered rooster. Well, I think he was half asleep, as he stood by the front door, with his head tucked under his wing. He'll forget to crow in the early morn, and the little boy blue with a silver horn is always asleep, so what shall I do if my rooster sleeps the whole night through? It's time for me to do something, exclaimed Puss, Jr., whipping out his sword and running upstairs too at a time. But would you believe it if I told you he couldn't find the Dickery Dare Pig anywhere? Puss looked in every room in every closet. He even listed the cover of the big clothes hamper that stood in the bathroom, but Mr. Pig was not to be found. Well, after a while, Puss looked out of the window. There on the roof of the porch was the Dickery Dare Pig. What are you doing? Ask, Puss, any way to sword-threatening, but the pig only grunted. You people downstairs are making an awful fuss, and he closed his eyes again. He was so sleepy. And anyway, he had a very nice, soft place, for he had spread a big, woolen comforter on the roof or bed. Well, you get out of here, said Puss. You have no right to take the yellow hen's nice comforter, nor have you any right to sleep on the roof. And if you don't go, I'll stick my sword in you. Well, after that, the pig ran downstairs and out of the front door, and maybe he's running yet if a butcher hasn't caught him and made him into little sausages. End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 SoinkmeisterPatrick, youtube.com slash Soinkmeister. Puss in Boots and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Through the Forest. You remember when we left off in the last story, Puss had just made the dickery-dare pig get off the roof of the yellow hen's front piazza, after which the gaily feathered rooster in the yellow hen and Puss Jr. went to sleep, which they couldn't do before on kind of that dreadful pig snoring. Well, he never came back, for he was so afraid of Puss Jr.'s sword that he kept on running until he lost his shadow, spent a year and a day hunting for it, and after that, he sat down and rested. The next morning, bright and early, just as the sun was waking up in the east, the gaily feathered rooster began to blow his silver horn to wake the people before the morn, and some got cross when they heard his song, but others hurried their dressing along. And pretty soon, Puss was dressed in the little yellow hen, combed her feathers, and came down to breakfast. And while they were at the table, the rooster came in and said, There was an old woman, as I've heard, tell, who went to market her eggs to sell. As she went to market her eggs to sell, on the asphalt pavement, she slipped and fell. Then came a policeman whose name was stout, when he saw all the eggs lying strewn about, he said, What is this, a river of eggs? Too bad, my old woman, you slipped on your legs. Then he helped the little old woman to stand and placed a new dollar bill in her hand. He said, my old woman, don't scramble your eggs on the pavement again by losing your legs. I'll never let her take my eggs to market, said the yellow hen. And the rooster flapped his wings and crowed. He was so glad. And after that, Puss Jr. said goodbye and went upon his journey. And by and by, he came to a forest. Now this forest was full of bold robbers, but Puss didn't know that. So he walked in and by and by, he came to a little hut. From the chimney, a little gray feather of smoke slowly made its way up through the tall tree tops, and around the front door climbed a wild vine. Puss went up boldly and knocked. And when the door opened, he saw Fox. At first, he was somewhat frightened. But the Fox said, Come in, Sarkat. So a little traveler entered and sat down. Then the Fox asked him where he was going to see my dear father of the famous Puss and Boots, replied little Puss Jr. It's not very far from here, answered the Fox. But the way is dangerous. Many robbers lie in wait for the unwary traveler. I have my trusty sword, cried Puss. I'm not afraid. Well then, you are so brave, I will help you, said the Fox. I know a way and will show you how you may escape the robbers. End of chapter four, recording by SoinkmeisterPatrick. YouTube.com slash Soinkmeister. Chapter five of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 SoinkmeisterPatrick. YouTube.com slash Soinkmeister. Puss and Boots and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. A turtle and a fish. As I told you in the last story, the Fox promised to help Puss, and pretty soon he led him out of a little log house and threw a thick undergrowth of young timber until they came to a river. Now the robbers will never think for a moment that you would travel by water, said the Fox with a grin. Here is a little boat, and he pushed aside the bushes behind which lay a rowboat with a pair of oars. As Puss got in, the Fox gave him some parting directions. Follow the stream until you come to a lake. Then leave your boat and follow the right bank until you come to a bridge. After that, you will find the highway, which will take you to the castle of my Lord of Caribus, where your famous father Puss and Boots lives. Thank you, my good friend. Puss cried our little hero, pushing off from the shore. And in a few minutes, he was gliding down the stream. Hey ho, he said. This is a new way to travel, but I've had many experiences, so why not a rowboat instead of a gander or an automobile? And he bent his rowing and by and by he came to a bend of the river. And as it was late in the afternoon, he decided to land and camp for the night. But no sooner had he landed on the bank than a large turtle came up to him and said, This is Turtle Island. No one is allowed to land unless he has a permit. Of course, little Puss Jr. didn't have one, but after a moment's reflection, he said, I'm about to visit my father, the famous Puss and Boots. And if I cannot remain here for the night, I may have an accident on the river. Please, let me stay. Very well, said the turtle, scratching his head. You may remain on my island. And then he crawled away to his own house on the hill, which Puss could see in the distance. I think the turtle was a disagreeable sort of person, not to have asked our little traveler to spend the night with him. But then, you know, there are some disagreeable people, even in new mothered goose country, and the turtle was one of them. The next morning, bright and early, Puss Jr. got up and cooked his breakfast. And then he jumped into his rowboat and started off and by and by as he was gliding along, a big fish came up to the surface and said, Hello there. At first, Puss was startled, for he didn't see the fish. But as soon as he did, he replied, Don't get in my way. I might push my oar in your eye. This made the fish laugh so hard that he cried. And after that, he laughed some more. Only he didn't cry that time. Where are you going? He asked to the castle of my lord of caribass, replied Puss. Good long journey, my brave little cat, said the fish. But keep up a brave heart. You are already more than halfway across new mother goose country. End of chapter five. Recording by ZoinkmeisterPatrick. YouTube.com slash Zoinkmeister. Chapter six of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 ZoinkmeisterPatrick. YouTube.com slash Zoinkmeister. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Puss finds a supper. For many days, Puss Jr. traveled in his boat down the river and towards evening, he heard a voice on the shore singing. Rock a bye, baby, thy cradle is green. Dad's a policeman, the finest yet seen. And mother's a lady and goes to a ball. And Johnny's a member of Tammany Hall. Of course, this made our little traveler laugh. For he didn't know there was a Tammany Hall in new mother goose country. And neither did I until Puss told me. Well, he pulled his boat up on the bank and got out. And after that, he listened again for the song. But there wasn't a sound, so he thought the baby must be asleep. Then he tipped out over to a little cottage nearby and looked in the window. There sat a pretty little woman with a baby in her arms. And when she saw Puss, she lifted her finger very gently to let him know that her baby was in the land of Nod. And after that, she placed him gently in the cradle. Come in. She whispered to our little pussycat traveler. And when they were in the nice, bright kitchen for the fire in the stove, made bright streaks of light over the clean floor, she said, Sir Cat, you are a traveler, I see. Tell me one of your adventures while I get the supper. My good man will soon be home, hungry and tired from his day's work. Now, Puss Jr. was tired too. And he didn't feel a bit like sitting down and telling a story. But he was an obliging little pussy and he knew, like little Tommy Tucker, he must pay for his supper. Once upon a time, he began, there was a famous cat. And the reason he was so famous was because he had done a great favor for his master. You see, his master was the youngest of three sons who, when his father died, got nothing but the cat, while the others got the farm and the money. But he never complained, which so pleased the cat that he made up his mind to help his young master. And what do you think he did? One day, his master's clothes were stolen while in bathing. And the king, who was passing by at that moment and his coach, felt so sorry that he gave the young man a beautiful suit and asked him to drive with him. Of course, the cat went too. And as they passed along, he waved his paw and said, all these lands belong to my master. By and by they came to a castle where lived a giant. So the cat ran ahead and said to the giant who was sitting in his big room, I hear you can change yourself into anything. Let me see if you can turn into a mouse. That's easy, laughed the foolish giant, whereupon the wise cat ate him up. And when the king arrived, he said, here's my master's castle. Which so pleased the king that he gave his daughter to wed. And the young man never forgot how his cat helped him to fame and fortune. And this cat is my father, concluded Little Puss Jr. with a bow. End of chapter six, recording by ZoinkmeisterPatrick, youtube.com slash Zoinkmeister. Chapter seven of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey, Arkville. The next morning when Puss Jr. went down to the river, he found his boat was gone. Now I must trust again to my red top boots, he sighed, and at once set off to find his dear father. By and by he saw a little man in the distance who, on coming nearer, turned out to be Tom Thumb. Puss picked him up and placing him on his shoulder set off once more. But goodness me, it soon began to rain and Tom Thumb crept into a pocket to keep dry. Towards the middle of the day they arrived on the outskirts of a small village. In the distance they could hear strokes of a hammer and then, now and again, the whir of a saw cutting into hardwood. What's going on, I wonder, said Tom Thumb. Sounds as if they were building a house. Don't know, answered Puss, but let's hurry, for I am soaked to the skin. On arriving in the village, they saw what appeared to be an immense boat in the early stages of construction. It was being erected in the city square, the little park that stood in the midst of stores and houses. Drawing nearer, they heard a voice singing, now of old did build an ark, of spicy gopher wood and bark to float upon the deluge dark. Now on this ark they had no sail for it was made and true the tale without a mast to break the gale. When Puss and Tom halted at the side of the ark, a kind-looking man stopped his hammering and said, it's going to rain for 40 days and 40 nights, there's going to be an awful deluge. You had better stay in Arkville and get aboard the ark as soon as it's finished. If you don't, you'll get drowned. He speaks the true thumb thinking, answered Tom Thumb, peeping out of Puss Junior's pocket. It looks to me as if the rain were never going to stop. My good sir, said Puss, turning to the man, it seems to me your advice is good. We'll stay in Arkville for a few days, but where shall we stop? Is there a hotel near? Over yonder is the hotel ark, said the man. I'm the proprietor and my name is Noah. Go in and make yourselves at home. My sons and I will follow you shortly. We have a few more nails to drive before we quit for the day. End of chapter seven, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter eight of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Hotel Ark. The Hotel Ark was a comfortable sort of a place, not very up to date, but with enough conveniences to make the traveler perfectly at home. He felt even more so after meeting the proprietor's wife, Mrs. Noah, a motherly looking woman with kind blue eyes and red cheeks. Come right in, she said as Puss Junior and Tom Thumb, both wet to the skin, wrapped on the door. You'd best dry yourselves in the kitchen, she said, leading them down a narrow hall. It's so warm in there, you'll be dry in no time. This was good news to our two small travelers, for their teeth were chattering like 24 small white horses on a red hill. Here's a chair for you, and here's a chair for Tom Thumb, said Mrs. Noah. I'm not sure about your name, but I can't mistake that of your little friend. Puss Junior turned and bowed. Although he was wet, he did not forget his manners. My name is Puss and Boots Junior. To be sure, to be sure, cried Mrs. Noah. I might have known it. The kitchen fire was burning merrily. Bright flames shot up the chimney and sparks from the wood flew out like stars upon the polished floor. Puss pulled off his dripping hat and laid it down on the chair. The feather was much bedraggled and had lost its wave. Tom Thumb undid his coat and hung it up, and then took off his shoes and placed them close to the hearth. I think my boots are half full of water, said Puss Junior. They are heavy as lead, and when I walk they make a funny noise. They certainly were full of water, for when Puss finally got them off and turned them over, a stream of water ran down the floor, nearly washing Tom Thumb across the room. By the time their clothes were dry, Noah and his three sons arrived for supper. Still raining, said the good man as he closed the door. I must finish the ark tomorrow. We may find a lake around the hotel by the morning. Who can tell? But I shall be ready to take in all the animals in my family by noon at the latest. End of chapter eight, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter nine of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. All aboard. It was still raining when Puss Junior and Tom Thumb awoke. They had spent a comfortable night at the hotel ark and felt much refreshed. After a hearty breakfast, they again looked out of the window. The rain was still coming down in torrents and water lay inches deep upon the street. The hotel ark was surrounded by a shallow lake which, however, was growing deeper every minute. Puss Junior stepped out upon the veranda and looked over the village square. Through the rain, he could make out the outlines of the ark. Just then, a voice began to sing. He built it high, he built it strong. He built it wide, he built it long to hold a jolly motley throng. Pretty soon, Noah himself came splashing through the water toward the hotel. There's no time to lose, he cried. The ark will soon be afloat. Mother, make haste. Tell the girls to come along. We've no time to lose. Mrs. Noah appeared almost immediately, followed by the wives of her three sons. Lifting up their skirts, they waited after Noah. Puss Junior picked up Tom Thumb and placed him on his shoulder. From far and near, from the forest and the plain, from everywhere, the animals came hurrying up. There were the elephant and the bee, the hippopotamus and flea, the tall giraffe and chickadee, the cockadoodle and the ass, and the three young men, each with his lass. Shem, Ham, and Jaffet had a pass. Noah of old and Noah's dame. I think I never heard her name, but she went and though all the same. This reminds me of the circus, laughed Puss Junior. I once was with the circus three days or so. Whenever I see an elephant, I think of my circus days. Let down the gangplank, commanded Noah, and soon a long procession of animals began to enter the ark. The rain kept up its heavy downpour and by noon the water was waist-deep. All the smaller animals had come aboard and Captain Noah, as he was now called, felt certain by evening he would be able to start on his voyage. End of chapter nine. Recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter 10 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Precious Mother Goose. As the last animal came on deck and the Noah boys hauled in the gangplank, the ark began rolling heavily, for the wind was high and the water rough. Are we sure everyone is aboard, asked Captain Noah? But best of all, my little deers, twill most delight your listening ears. So give with me three mighty cheers to hear that sheltered by that truce, loved more than monkey, owl, or moose. In walked your precious Mother Goose. If there was anyone more delighted than Puss Junior, he could not be found aboard the ark. To once more see Mother Goose, who had so kindly carried him on her gander many miles filled him with delight. He ran forward to greet her as she alighted from her faithful gander. Mother Goose, Mother Goose, cried Puss. I'm so glad to see you again. Let us go in, it's getting dreadfully wet outside. She replied, giving him a big hug. Inside the cabin, always dry and cheerful, Mrs. Noah had the stove burning brightly and her three daughter-in-laws were busy, getting supper. Let me take your bonnet, said Mrs. Noah. And before that dear old lady could remove her headgear, Mrs. Noah had taken out the big pin and undone the strings. There, make yourself comfortable, she cried, pushing forward a rocking chair. And have you found your father? asked the gander, for he and Puss were having a fine time talking over old times. No, not yet, answered Puss sadly, but I hear he is seneschal at the castle of my lord of Caribus. You must be patient, answered the gander, and go in search of more adventures. Yes, answered Puss, and I have with me my good comrade, Tom Thumb. All ashore, that's going ashore, shouted the hoarse voice of Captain Noah. Then came the tingle-jingle of the bell and the ark quivered from bow to stern, and in another moment was off on the dark waters. End of chapter 10, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter 11 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Captain Noah. The first night on the ark was most uncomfortable. It was not an easy thing to provide sleeping quarters for the animals, and although Captain Noah and his three sons did their best, from the complaints that were heard in the morning, it was easy to see that very few were satisfied. We must get up a set of rules and regulations, said Captain Noah at the breakfast table. It's all very well to carry a cargo of coal or salt, but when it comes to animals, it's quite another thing. Each animal is so blame-different. And Captain Noah heaved a great sigh as he lifted the steaming cup of coffee to his lips. Puss Jr. and Tom Thumb had risen with the sun, that is, I should say, at an early hour, for of course there was no sun. No, indeed, there was nothing but rain in a wide expanse of water, water, water everywhere, but not a speck of dirt. The whole world seemed nothing but water. The only thing that wasn't water was the ark and its passengers. However, this did not keep Puss Jr. and Tom Thumb from eating a hearty breakfast. They were good travelers, whether by land or sea, and to Puss, who had passed through many a dangerous adventure, the present situation seemed one of great interest. Mother Goose was also in high spirits. Turning to Captain Noah, she said, My dear Captain, if it weren't for you, I'd hardly know what in the world I should have done. To fly on gander back through the rain for 40 days and nights would be impossible, so I have you to thank for my deliverance. Don't mention it, my dear Mother Goose, replied Captain Noah. I did only what was my duty. You know, I have always been the weatherman of Arkville, and if I do say it, I have hit the mark every time. I knew, in fact, I felt, that we were to have 40 days and 40 nights of rain. For the last two weeks, I have published this in the Arkville News. To have the ark finished in time was my greatest ambition, and now to reach Mount Ararat will be the crowning joy of my career. We didn't know where we were at, one wide river, until we bumped on Ararat, one wide river to cross. I've so often heard that song at the minstrels, said Mother Goose, that I believe it's really coming true. End of Chapter 11, recording by Valentina Vichelli. Chapter 12 of P.J. and Robinson Crusoe. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Kate Mulligan. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. 40 days and 40 nights. The ark was an exceedingly good sea craft. It rode the waves and breasted the gale without a mishap. Some of the animals became seasick, but this, of course, was to be expected. Even Captain Noah himself felt rather queer at times, and as for little Tom Tom, he kept to his bed for almost a week. Puss Jr. proved to be a very fine sailor. Not once did he feel the least bit ill and was able to help Mrs. Noah attend to the sick passengers. Of all the animals, however, the elephant was the most seasick. Of course it had to be the biggest animal, said Captain Noah at breakfast one morning. Too bad, my dear, turning to Mrs. Noah, that you have such a non-wieldy patient on your hands. Mrs. Noah only smiled. He does very little complaining, replied Mrs. Noah. That is one thing to be thankful for. Now, take the little black ant. She does nothing but complain all the time. I'd rather attend to the elephant ten times over. Well, mother, you always had something to be thankful for at the Ark Hotel. I'm glad that on board the ark you still keep your cheerful disposition, answered Captain Noah. But oh, dear me, pretty soon Puss Jr. and Tom Tom wondered if the forty days and forty nights would ever end, and if the rain would ever stop. At last one day it seemed as if the sun were trying to break through the clouds. And then, all of a sudden, the rain ceased. And in the distance, the dim outline of a mountain appeared through the mist. At once the animals began to sing. We did know where we were at. One wide river, until we bumped on our rat. One wide river to cross. As if in obedience to the words of the song, the ark grounded. The sun came out from the clouds, and everyone knew the voyage was at an end. For the ark she landed high and dry. One wide river, and the monkey kissed the cow goodbye. One wide river to cross. In a few minutes the gangplank was lured, and the animals landed. Captain Noah was the last to leave. Well, he exclaimed, we have passed through an awful lot, but we're safe on land again. Hooray! shouted all the animals. We're safe at last. End of Chapter 12, recording by Kate Mulligan. Chapter 13 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Up and down. What is the news of the day? Good neighbors, I pray. They say the balloon is gone up to the moon. It was the day of the county fair. Puss Junior had bought his ticket and stood looking about him uncertain what to do. They said the balloon has gone up to the moon, cried the crowd. Why, I've been up to the moon, said Puss Junior, but never will I get excited over that. But nevertheless, he walked up to the balloon man and asked, when does your next balloon go up? In about five minutes, replied the owner of the aircraft, we have an ascension every half hour. Well, replied our little hero, I would like to be one of your passengers. Pire shilling and you shall have a seat in the basket, answered the owner. After waiting for perhaps an hour, the basket car was filled. My, how the people cheered as the balloon ascended, and when it had almost reached the clouds, Puss leaned over the edge of the basket and threw little notes down to the people below. Tell my good friends that Puss and Boots Junior has gone up in a balloon, he wrote on one of them. On another, he scribbled, Puss and Boots Junior is about to visit the man in the moon. You had better be careful, said the owner of the balloon. How do I know we'll reach the moon? If you follow my directions, you will, replied Puss Junior. For I have been there before and to tell you the truth, it is a most remarkable place. The moon is an unexplored country. Well, I'll take your word for it, said the navigator of the balloon express. I don't know much about these sky roads, but if you kindly consent to tell me where to steer my aircraft, perhaps we'll reach the moon without a mishap. Trust to me, said Puss Junior. For I have traveled far and if I don't know the way to the moon, my name is not Puss and Boots Junior. So the owner of the balloon steered the big aircraft straight up to the sky. Oh dear me, but strange things will happen. For as they were sailing along as smoothly as could be, there came a sudden gust of wind and the balloon, instead of pointing for the big round moon that shone like a silver dollar overhead, suddenly swerved to one side and before anyone could say, Jack Robinson, there was a dreadful explosion and Puss and his fellow passengers found themselves falling to earth. Good gracious, exclaimed Puss. What's the matter? Before his question was answered, the balloon crashed into a big willow tree. End of chapter 13, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter 14 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is LibriVox Recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Rockabye. It was lucky that the balloon fell into the big willow tree, as I mentioned in the last story, for otherwise Puss Junior and his fellow passengers might have been badly hurt. As it happened, they were none the worse except for a few scratches. Puss pulled himself together and after arranging his clothes, which were torn in must by the branches of the tree, looked about him. Suddenly he heard the cry of a baby and turning around, he saw a little cradle swinging back and forth. It was fastened securely to a limb and rocked to and fro as the breeze blew through the trembling leaves. Rockabye baby upon the tree top. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. When the bow breaks, the cradle will fall. Down tumbles baby, cradle and all. Shh, cried the balloon man. We'll wake the baby if we're not careful. Won't it be sad if the bell breaks? Said Puss Junior. It will be almost as bad for the baby as it was for us when the balloon fell into this tree. It might be worse, said one of the passengers who stood near them on a limb, looking anxiously to the ground. Suppose we take down the cradle, said the balloon man. Somebody must have hung it up here, said Puss. We have no right to take it down. It's not our baby. You are perfectly right, said another passenger. It isn't our cradle and it isn't our baby. So the best thing for us to do is to leave the cradle and climb down. As soon as the passengers were once more upon the ground, they demanded their fareback, saying that they had paid for a trip to the moon and not for a fall into a willow tree. That doesn't seem quite fair to me, remarked the balloon man, looking roofily at his wrecked balloon. I don't think I should give you back more than half for the first part of the journey was successful. You didn't keep your bargain, cried Puss stoutly. Besides, you endangered our lives. I don't want to pay to go up into the air a little way and then be hurled down into a willow tree. It takes all the niceness out of the way up and makes the way down too dangerous. So the balloon man paid back the money and turned away. Why don't you take the basket car with you? Asked Puss, junior. It's too big to carry, replied the balloon man. I'll come around for it tomorrow with a horse and wagon. Pretty soon all the passengers had gone, leaving Puss alone under the willow tree. All of a sudden, the baby began to cry. So Puss sang softly. How should my baby be upon the treetop when the wind blows the cradle will rock? And then the baby stopped crying. So Puss turned away and entered the old mill that stood in the shade of the old willow tree. End of chapter 14, recording by Valentina Vichelli. Chapter 15 of Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Chapter 15, The Rockaway Baby. Welcome, sir cat, said the Dusty Miller. Sit down and tell me the news. But just then, a sweet voice commenced to sing. Down in the village, all full-on day, mother's been toiling the hours away. Wall up in the treetop beneath the blue sky. Baby has rocked to the wind's lullaby. Waiting is over, my sweet little one. Mother is here for her own blue-eyed son. Home we will go and the baby shall rest. All the night through, on mother's warm breast. Dearie me, suddenly exclaimed, the Dusty Miller, how tired she looks as he walked to the door. Let me carry the cradle, said Puss. And lifting it on his shoulder, followed a grateful little woman down the road. When they reached the house, Puss was tired, for the cradle was heavy and had nearly slipped off his shoulder two or three times. And once, when the baby caught hold of it, Puss nearly stumbled. Come and rest, said the baby's mother, opening the little wicket gate in the white fence. Puss looked up at the pretty porch, covered with honeysuckle line. Thank you, he answered, I will. And he set the cradle down on the floor. Please look after the baby, said the little mother, while I get the supper. I'll try, said Puss, but I'm not used to babies and perhaps he'll roll off the porch. Oh, and you can keep him from doing that, replied the little mother, he's the best baby in the world. So Puss sat down and played with him for almost a half an hour. By and by, a little bird began to sing. Dance to your daddy, my bonnie laddie, dance to your daddy, my bonnie limb. You shall get a fishy on a little fishy. You shall get a fishy when the boat comes home. Pretty soon, after that, the little mother carried the baby into the house. Puss followed her into a cozy room, where on the mantelpiece stood a tick-tocky clock. Just striking six, the tablecloth was spreading and everything was ready for supper, over in the corner hung a cage, in which sat a big green parrot. Polly wanna cracker, asked Puss. No, I don't wanna cracker, replied the parrot. I want a little mouse. What, cried Puss? You don't mean to say you don't like crackers. I'm tired of them, said the parrot. Did you ever eat a raisin cracker? Puss said with a grin. But the parrot didn't reply. Pretty soon, he opened the door of his cage and came out. Puss was all alone in the room, for the mother had taken the baby upstairs. I'm going to fly out of the window, exclaimed the parrot. I'm tired of being alone all day in this house. And before Puss could stop him, he opened the window and flew away. The parrot's gone, cried Puss, running to the foot of the stairs. Then he rushed into the yard and found the parrot perched on the limb of an old apple tree. I won't come back, he cried. I won't. End of chapter 15. Chapter 16 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Sailors 2. There was an old woman of Gloucester, whose parrot, two guineas, it cost her, but his tongue never ceasing was vastly displeasing to the talkative woman of Gloucester. Now as soon as the old woman who lived next door saw Puss, Jr. climbed the tree to catch the parrot which would flown out of the window. She cried, don't let the pussycat get you Polly. But goodness me, as soon as the old woman's parrot heard that he was up in the tree with the other parrot and they both began to scream, I won't come back, I won't come back. I don't care what they do, said the old woman. I'd much rather have a cat for a pet than a parrot anyway. He has a dreadful care ever since my son, who is a sailor, brought him home. So Puss looked down from the tree and said, then would you rather I didn't catch your parrot? Yes, let him go, said the old woman. But I must catch the other one, said Puss. Well, you'd have to get a pair of wings, my dear pussycat, cried the parrot. You may be Puss in boots, Jr. But you can't fly, so I bid you farewell. And away he flew and the old woman's parrot clapped his wings and followed him. So there was nothing for Puss to do but to come down from the tree. And then all of a sudden the old woman cried why here comes my son. And a sailor boy jumped over the fence and threw his arms around her. My ship just got in today, mother, he cried giving her a big hug. And after that he looked at Puss and said, shiver my timbers, but that's a fine cat you have, mother. He's not mine, answered the old woman, but I wish he would stay with us my parrot has just flown away. Thank you, madam, said Puss, but I must be on my way to find my father, Puss in boots. We sail tomorrow, said the sailor boy, why don't you come aboard ship? You'll have a fine trip and maybe you'll find your father at the first seaport we reach. Good idea, cried Puss, I'll go with you. All right, my hearty, cried the sailor boy, slapping Puss on the back. You and I will be pals. A sailor's life is the life for me. Then I'll be a sailor too, cried Puss, and tomorrow we will sail the ocean blue. End of chapter 16. Chapter 17 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Daniel Hayes in Duisburg, Germany. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Chapter 17, a wonderful ship. I saw a ship assailing on the sea and it was full of pretty things for baby and for me. Hurrah, cried Puss Jr. A sailor's life is the life for me. The good ship was at the dock and her crew of sailor boys were ready to cast off the mooring lines. Puss Jr. had been promised a sailor suit as soon as the ship's sailor had the time to make it. Just then the little woman who hung her baby's cradle on the willow tree by the old mill came walking down to the dock. Are you going too? Asked Puss, helping her with the cradle for she had walked a long way and was very tired. Yes, indeed, she replied, because it's full of pretty things for baby and for me. How jolly, cried Puss, dancing about on his toes, we'll have a fine trip. That's what the rusty Dusty Miller said, cried the baby's mother. He told me this morning when I put the cradle in the rocker by willow tree that the ship was sailing today and that they needed a cook. So I'm going to ask the captain if I may cook and bake for you all. I know how to make the nicest cookies you ever ate. You just wait and see what nice things we will have to eat. Then Puss helped her over the gangplank for the crew was busy loading the good ship with all kinds of things. Pretty soon, the Miller came running down the dock. Here is a sack of flour. He panted, I thought you might need some for the muffins. Isn't that fine, said Puss, leaning over the rail. There's nothing like having plenty of food aboard in case the voyage is a long one. I don't know where we are bound, said the baby's mother, but baby will like it, I'm sure. One can rocker by baby on the sea as well as on the old willow tree. I heard, said the rusty Dusty Miller as he laid the heavy sack of flour on the deck and wiped the perspiration from his forehead that there were sweet meats in the cabin and apples in the hold. The sails were made of silk and the masts were made of gold. Why, so they are, cried Puss, gazing up at the beautiful tall shining masts. They are of gold, of course they are. Look, baby, he cried, see the gold masts. He's too young to know whether they are made of gold or good old oak, said his mother, but will teach him to be a good sailor, won't we, Puss, dear? End of chapter 17. Chapter 18 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Daniel Hess in Duisburg, Germany. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Chapter 18. All aboard. All aboard, shouted the captain. The 4 and 20 sailors that stood between the decks were 4 and 20 white mice with chains about their necks. There's a locket fastened to every chain, cried Puss, what pretty lockets. Each little sailor mouse has a picture of his mother and his locket, said the captain who stood nearby, giving the orders. Now, the captain was a duck with a packet on his back, and when the ship began to move, the captain cried, quack, quack. Hello, said Puss Jr, stretching out his right paw. Hello, captain, aren't you the duck that took me across the pond on your back a long, long time ago? You told me about your cousin, the Golden Goose, don't you remember? So I did, said the captain, looking Puss over, shiver my timbers if you're not Puss Jr. The very same, replied Puss. And haven't you found your daddy yet? Asked the captain, as his good ship swung away from the dock, her silk sails filling with the breeze until they looked like great big balloons cut in half. No, captain, replied Puss, sadly, I haven't. Well, we'll ask for him at every port, replied the kind master of the good ship, which was now rolling and dipping in the most graceful way possible. I'll ask every old landlubber on the docks when we touch port. We'll hear some news, dear, never fear. And then the captain went over to tell the man at the tiller where to go. The man at the wheel was a little white mouse, but he knew how to steer a ship as well as any pilot, let me tell you. I don't have to rock the cradle, said the baby's mother with a smile, looking up at Puss as he tiptoed over to where she sat. No, he's fast asleep, replied Puss, and the big blue ocean is rocking him better than the willow tree. Rock-a-bye babies safe on the ship where the foam-crested billows ripple and dip, and the breeze from the land of the big yellow moon is turning the sail to a great white balloon. Where did you hear that pretty song? asked Puss. Why, I just made it up, replied the baby's mother. Mothers always do that when they rock their little ones to sleep, you know. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Mike Short. Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Old Tom. The next morning the good ship came in sight of an old seaport. The harbor was very safe, for a tall white lighthouse stood upon rocks to guide the sailors, and bell-booies clanged their solemn warning from the dangerous reefs. In the distance rose a church-smeyer, and near it stood a little red schoolhouse with a flag flying in the breeze. Down on the wharf ran a low row of buildings worn and battered, where the old sailors lounged and told stories of their early days. Pretty soon the good ship came about, and with her silken sails flapping in the wind drifted up to the dock. Make fast, shouted the captain. The four-and-twenty little sailor mice jumped nimbly on the dock, and in a few minutes made the silk ropes fast to the posts. Then the good ship came to a standstill, and the gang plank was lowered. All ashore that's going ashore, quacked the captain. Oh, Captain Duck, cried Puss, Jr. We don't have to land, do we? Now, cried the dock. But you may go ashore for a little while if you wish. We don't sail for two hours. Oh, right, cried Puss. I'll take a run in the grass. And he walked down the gang plank across the old wharf until he came to a path well-worn by the sailors who, for years, had carried the cargoes up to the little village. Under a tree close by sat an old sailor. He was smoking a big black pipe as contentedly as could be. But as soon as he saw Puss, he took it out of his mouth. Ahoy, me breezy little reefer, he cried. A good morning, replied Puss. Don't be in a hurry, said the old sailor. Just moor your little hulk aside, old Tom. What's the matter, my breezy little skipper? Passed the old sailor after a few minutes of silence for Puss, you see, didn't know what to say. Nothing, said Puss, sadly. Only I can't find my father, the famous Pussan Boots. Oh, what did he look like, said the old sailor with a grin? Well, he looked like me, or rather, I look like him, replied Puss. Well, my merry little sandpiper, cried the old salt. It should have stayed at home. I don't agree with you, said Puss stoutly. I want it to see the world. Give me your flipper, said the old sailor kindly. Good luck to you, I hope you find your daddy. End of chapter 19, recorded by Mike Short. Chapter 20 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Caruso. 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 Mike Short. Puss Jr. and Robinson Caruso by David Corey. A new passenger. Puss Jr. waved his paw to the old sailor who put his pipe back in his mouth and smoked away contentedly under the shady tree. All of a sudden, a pretty young girl jumped out from behind a stone wall. Bobby Shaftow's gone to sea, silver buckles on his knee. He'll come back and marry me, pretty Bobby Shaftow. Bobby Shaftow's fat and fair, combing down his yellow hair. He's my love for eye and tear, pretty Bobby Shaftow. Hello, said Puss, when she was finished singing her song. Did you just get off that pretty ship, she asked. Oh yes, miss, replied Puss. Was Bobby Shaftow on board? I didn't see him, replied Puss. Did you expect him? I don't know, replied the little girl, but I run down to look every time a ship comes to the old dock and I always ask the old sailor who sits on the bench over there if he's seen my body. You're looking for your body and I'm searching for my daddy, said Puss, sadly. And then he told the little girl how discouraged he was because in all his travels he had not yet found him. Then all of a sudden they heard a voice calling, All aboard! Oh goodness, exclaimed Puss, I must hurry, the ship's going to sail, goodbye, and off he ran to the dock as fast as he could go. Wait for me, cried out the little girl, I guess I'll go too, I may find Bobby Shaftow. Hurry, hurry, cried Puss, looking back, I'll run ahead and ask the captain to wait. And it was lucky he did, for the gangplank was being hauled in just as he arrived. Wait for us, he shouted. Why, I don't see anybody else, said the captain as Puss stepped aboard. Well, yes there is, answered Puss, there she comes. And in another minute, with her bonnet string streaming in the wind, the little girl came running down to the dock. Thank you for waiting, she cried, turning to the captain, I'd have been so disappointed if you'd left me behind. And then she stood close to Puss as the good ship left the dock. Good luck, my little skipper, shouted the old sailor. Goodbye, cried Puss, waving his cap to the old salt. End of chapter 20, recorded by Mike Short. Chapter 21 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Over the water, when the old dock and the gray haired sailor, the tall church spire and the flag on the little red school house were out of sight, Puss Junior turned to the little girl and said, let us go down in the cabin. I'll show you the cutest little baby you ever saw. It's the rockabye baby upon the treetop. His mother always hung the cradle on a willow tree so that the breeze might rock him to sleep. But now the ocean does the rocking and the baby sleeps almost all the time. So the little girl followed Puss down the stairs to the cabin where they heard a sweet voice singing. Over the water and over the sea and over the water to Charlie, I'll have none of your whole red beef, nor I'll have none of your barley, but I'll have some of your very best flour to make a white cake for my Charlie. Shh, said the mother of the baby as Puss and the little girl came in. Are you going to make a cake with the flour the miller brought on board? Asked Puss in a whisper. Yes, said the baby's mother. But what's your name? Turning to the little girl. She's looking for Bobby Shaftow, answered Puss. What's your name, little girl? Asked the rockabye baby's mother. Alice, said the little girl. A pretty name. I'm glad you like it. Said the little girl. And what's yours? Mine? Oh, you can call me the rockabye baby's mother. Let's go out on deck, suggested Puss. Won't you come to? He asked, turning to the baby's mother. Rolling in the sea were huge black porpoises. Over and over they rolled like great footballs. Flying fish rose out of the water and overhead the gulls sailed back and forth on their great wings. The breeze was blowing strong and steady and now and then the salt spray came over the railing. Some of it wet Puss Junior's whiskers. Did you get wet? Asked Alice. Not much, said Puss, besides. I don't care for a little spray anyway. Come over here and sit down on this coil of rope, said the rockabye baby's mother and I'll sing you a song. Rockabye, rockabye on the deep blue. Sailor boy, mother is dreaming of you. Thinking of sailor boy out on the foam. Hoping that sailor boy soon will be home. End of Chapter 21, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter 22 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Custard and Mustard. For several days, the good ship with the four and 20 sailor mice and the duck captain sailed over the big blue sea. Puss Junior learned to climb the mast and to run out to the very tip of the great boom to tie a rope for Captain Duck when it was blowing a gale. The rockabye baby's mother made a most delicious cake with the flour the rusty Dusty Miller had sent on board. And altogether it was a most enjoyable trip. And when the good ship put into port on the fifth day, everybody was sorry. Even the little girl who was waiting for Bobby Shaftow to come home told Puss she had forgotten all about him. Well, as soon as the ship was fast to the dock, Puss said goodbye to Captain Duck and the sailor mice. I hope Bobby Shaftow will return soon. He whispered to the little girl as he kissed her goodbye. I shall miss you very much, he said to rockabye baby's mother. Will you, my dear Puss? She answered, giving him a big hug. You're a dear little cat. I hope you soon find your father. When you do, tell him he is a fine little son. Tell him that from me, won't you? And after that Puss went upon his way and by and by, after a while he found himself on a broad highway. I wonder what will happen next, he said to himself and just then he came to a small house near the road. So he stopped at the front gate to listen to a sweet boy's singing. When Jackie's a very good boy, he shall have cakes and a custard. But when he does nothing but cry, he shall have nothing but mustard. Puss opened the gate and peeped through the window. In the center of the room stood a small boy, wiping his eyes with a little pink handkerchief. Nothing but mustard, repeated his mother, if you don't stop crying. Meow! Cried Puss at the window. Won't you give me some custard? And then, my goodness, didn't that little boy stop crying. Look at the cat with boots on! He cried running up to the window. You both shall have some custard, said Jack's mother. And then you may go out to the swing and have a good time. Well, it didn't take long to eat the custard and then Jackie and Puss went out under the big tree. Swing high, swing low, away we go, up to the skies, down to the ground. This is the finest sport I've found. Saying Puss, Jr., after supper, Jackie, I'll tell you how I was a sailor boy for almost a week on the ocean blue. End of Chapter 22, recording by Valentina Vacelli. Chapter 23 of Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter. Puss, Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Rolly Frog. Now, let me think what happened after Puss finished telling how he had been a sailor for a week on the ocean blue. Oh, yes, of course. He had scarcely said goodbye to the little boy when whom he should meet but Mr. Rolly Frog and a big rat. So, you're going to make a call on Mrs. Mousey? Said Puss, has he and Mr. Rolly Frog and the rat reached the dusty highway? Yes, sir, he replied Mr. Rolly Frog. She lives just over there. And when Puss looked across the meadow, he saw a cute little house. Looks like a pretty nice little place. Said the rat, let's hurry along. So all three started off on a run. When they came to the door of Mousey's hall, hey, ho, says Rolly. They gave a loud knock and they gave a loud call. Pray, Mrs. Mouse, are you within? Hey, ho, says Rolly. Oh, yes, kind, sirs. I'm sitting to spin. I guess she's too busy. Said Puss, we'd better not interrupt her. Nonsense, replied Mr. Rolly Frog, bowing to Mrs. Mousey, who happened just then to look out of her little window. Then Mr. Rat took off his cap and said, pray, Mrs. Mouse, will you give us some beer? Hey, ho, says Rolly. For Froggy and I are fond of good cheer. Indeed, I will not. Said Mrs. Mousey, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. And as for Mr. Anthony Rolly, he must throw away that horrid cigar if he wants to call on me. Well, goodness gracious, didn't Mr. Rolly look ashamed? He threw his cigar away at once and Mr. Rat hid behind Puss. He was so embarrassed. And as soon as Mrs. Mousey saw that they were both truly sorry for what they had done, she smiled and said, pray, Mr. Frog, will you give us a song? Hey, ho, says Rolly. But let it be something that's not very long. Indeed, Mrs. Mouse replied the Frog. Hey, ho, says Rolly. I caught quite a cold for its damp in the bog. Since you have caught cold, Mr. Frog, Mousey said, hey, ho, says Rolly. I'll sing you a song that I have just made. But first she opened the door and invited them in. I'm not afraid of you, she said to Puss. For I know you are Mr. Puss in boots, Junior. Well, just as soon as they were all seated, she began to sing. Mrs. Mousey had a housey very small and trim. Nice Swiss cheese is good for sneezes, filled up to the brim. Also candy, fine and dandy, ice cream, soda, too. If you're nice to little mice, I'll give some to you. I'll see that my two small friends behave, said Puss with a grin. End of chapter 23. Chapter 24 of Puss, Junior and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter. Puss, Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Mrs. Mousey. What will you have? Mrs. Mousey asked Puss, Junior, as she opened the cupboard door. I'll have a strawberry ice cream soda, said Puss. So Mrs. Mousey poured some red syrup into the glass and dropped in a ball of ice cream. And after that, she held the glass under a regular soda fountain spigot, which was fastened to a cute little ice box. Vzzz, vzzz, went the water until a pink coloured foam almost ran over the edge of the glass. But it didn't. Wasn't that lucky? I'll take a pink and white peppermint stick, said Mr. Rowley Frog. And Mr. Rat said, Geez, if you please. When Mrs. Mousey asked him what he would have. But while they were all a merry-making, hey-ho, said Rowley, a cat and her kittens came tumbling in. And, oh, DMB, Puss dropped his soda-water glass and it broke all into smithereens. And then the cat she seized the rat by the crown. Hey, ho, said Rowley, the kittens they pulled the little mouse down. And after that, the cat jumped through the open window with the rat and disappeared around the house. The kittens ran out of the door with poor Mrs. Mouse. Puss jumped through the window. But before he could catch them, they ran into a hole just big enough for them to squeeze through. And Puss was left outside, wondering what to do. The old cat was nowhere to be seen. She had taken good care to get out of sight, for she knew that Puss Jr. would take Mr. Rat away from her if he ever caught her. This put Mr. Frog in a terrible fright. Hey, ho, says Rowley. He took up his hat and he wished them good night. I'll go home to mother, he said, when he reached the roadway. I'm getting homesick. I think the old pond is the best place for me. Home sweet home in the dear old pond, that is the place for me. I'll never go even a foot beyond. I'll sit there and croak and never will smoke. In my pond by the grassy lee. That's right, said Puss, as he hurried along with Rowley, who, now that he had made up his mind, could not get home fast enough. A wise frog stays in his bog and sits and croaks upon his log. End of chapter 24 Chapter 25 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe 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 Jennifer Painter Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey A sad ending. I'm very sorry for poor little Mrs. Moussey, said Puss, as he and Mr. Rowley Frog hastened toward the pond. So am I, answered Rowley. She was very generous with all her good things to eat, continued Puss. It was a sad ending to our little feast. I guess he's been eaten up by this time. That naughty old cat looked very hungry. Oh, dear, oh, dear! sobbed Rowley. The tears rolling down his face. I want to get home. I'll never run away again. But as Froggy was crossing over a brook, hey-ho, says Rowley, a lily-white duck came and gobbled him up. So there was an end of one, two, and three. Hey-ho, says Rowley, the rat, the mouse and the little Froggy with a roly-poly gammon and spinach. Hey-ho, says Anthony Rowley. This is dreadful, cried Puss. As he saw his small friend disappear down the duck's long neck, it has been a sad day. All three of my little friends are gone. Never mind, cried the lily-white duck, looking up at Puss standing mournfully by the side of the brook. Frogs are good to eat, and if they will run away from home, it's their own lookout. They should stay in their ponds and not go wandering about strange places. Puss did not answer. It seemed pretty hard to meet such a sad fate, and he did not like the lily-white duck at all. Come, come, cried the duck. Cheer up, I'll ferry you across the brook if you wish to reach the other side. That's kind of you, said Puss, seating himself on her back. I'm not such a bad sort of duck, she continued, paddling swiftly toward the opposite bank. But I must eat, and Frogs are mighty good eating. Let me tell you. As she finished speaking, she waddled up the bank, and Puss sprang nimbly from her back. Thank you, Mrs. Duck, he said. Indeed, I'm obliged to you, but I wish you hadn't eaten my friend the little frog. Just then, nine little yellow ducklings waddled towards them. These are my children, said Mrs. Duck very proudly. How are you, my little ducklets, cried Puss? Quick, well, thank you, they answered. It was a pretty sight to see those yellow balls of down cuddle up to their mother, and Puss began to feel that, after all, she must be a good sort of duck, for her children loved her so much. Perhaps he had judged her too harshly for gobbling up the frog, and when she turned to Puss and said, Come home with us, Mr. Puss, he forgave her for what she had done, and followed her downy yellow brood. End of Chapter 25 Chapter 26 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Beaver Dam. Puss Jr. had gone but a short distance, when he heard a sad voice say, Oh dear, I've lost my brother. Where will I ever find another? He never should have left the bog. Alas, alas, poor roly frog. Look at me, cried Puss to Mrs. Duck, and he looked about him for the owner of the sad, croaky voice. Pretty soon he saw a big bullfrog in a brook. Come along with me, cried Puss Jr. Just then a little muskrat jumped out of the water, and from behind a tree ran a pretty grey squirrel and a striped chipmunk. Do you call us? They asked Puss all at once. No, my little friends, he replied, but come along. And when they reached Beaver Dam, they looked around to see what had become of the old bullfrog. There he was in the water, about halfway down the stream, swimming away for all he was worth. He cried as he came up to them. Why don't you wait for a fellow? And why didn't you tell me you were going upstream? Puss Jr. felt very sorry to think that he had really forgotten all about the old bullfrog. Well, you got here all right, didn't you? Asked the muskrat. Now he continued, I'm going to knock three times on the dam to let Mr. Beaver know that we would like to cross. After giving three loud knocks, Mr. Beaver looked over and said, What's the matter? Who are you? What do you want? Where did you come from? Where are you going? We'll answer the last question first, said Puss Jr. with a grin. We'd like to cross over on your beautiful, great big dam. A toll is a penny, said the Beaver, looking them over carefully. I haven't got a penny with me, said the little squirrel, but I have a dandy big nut if that will do. All right, said the Beaver, give me the nut. He put it in his pocket, remarking as he did so. It looks like a good nut. I only hope I shall not be disappointed when I crack it. Turning to the chipmunk, he said, What have you got? I answered the chipmunk. I don't want any more nuts, said the Beaver disgustedly. I'm not particularly fond of nuts anyway. I only took this one from the squirrel because I knew he didn't have anything else. Here are two pennies, Mr. Beaver, one for chipmunk and one for me, said Puss Jr. All right, sir cat, said the Beaver, walk across, but see that you do not slip for the water is very deep on the upper side. Puss carefully wended his way over, followed by the little squirrel and the chipmunk. The old frog swam over, as did the mustrat. When they all reached the other side, Puss went forward, followed by his small comrades, who stretched out behind him like a funny little army. They hadn't gone very far when a rabbit jumped out from behind a bush. Puss Jr. called out, Don't be frightened, we won't hurt you. Baby, cried the squirrel, You're bigger than I am, but you're twice as much afraid. I'm going to a wedding, said the rabbit. I have no time to wait. And away he went. Gracious me, exclaimed the squirrel. I have forgotten all about Cock Robin's wedding, I must be going. So must I, cried the chipmunk and the Beaver. But what the old bullfrog said, I will tell you in the next story. End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter. Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Ducklings. Well, you will certainly agree with me that the old bullfrog in the last story is a wonderful fellow when you hear what he says about Mrs. Duck. And it's all in poetry too. Old Mother Duck has hatched a brood of ducklings small and callow. Their little wings are short, their down is mottled grey and yellow. There is a quiet little stream that runs into the moat where tall green sedges spread their leaves and water lilies float. Close by the margin of the brook, the old duck made her nest of straw and leaves and withered grass and down from her own breast. And there she sat for four long weeks in rainy days and fine until the ducklings all came out. Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. So this is your home, said Puss Jr. as Mrs. Duck stepped into her nest followed by her brood. One peeped out from beneath her wing, one scrambled on her back. That's very rude, said old Mrs. Duck. Get off, quack, quack, quack, quack. What do you do when it rains? Asked Puss Jr. What do we do when it rains? Repeated Mrs. Duck. Why? What do you suppose a duck's feathers are good for? They shed the water as well as a barn roof. Yes, even better. But feathers are waterproof and shingles are not. Well, my good Mrs. Duck, of course it's all right for you and your family, but should it rain? What would I do? I couldn't possibly crawl under your wings. Not very well, laughed Mrs. Duck. But it's not going to rain, cried one little duck, peering out from between her feathers. I know it's not going to rain, for there is to cloud in the sky. Then all the little ducklings poked their heads out and cried, it's not going to rain, it's not going to rain. If it should, and there's no telling lately for the weather has been so unsettled, I could take you up to the barnyard and introduce you to Molly Head. Said Mrs. Duck, turning to Puss Jr. She has charge of all the poultry and is a very kind woman, very kind indeed. If I knew where to buy an umbrella, said Puss, after a pause, I wouldn't mind a little shower, but you know how a cat hates to get wet. Yes, they make as much fuss over a little water as a hen does, laughed good Mrs. Duck. End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 of Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter Puss Jr. and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. A lesson in waddling. Puss Jr. was very tired with his journey, so he cuddled up in the long grass close to Mrs. Duck's nest and he was soon fast asleep. Then Mrs. Duck tucked in her yellow ducklings and they were soon dreaming of nice fat worms and little silver fishes. By and by Mrs. Duck closed first one eye and then the other and pretty soon she was asleep. The wind played little lullabies in the tall grass and the brook close by murmured over its pebbly bottom. The crickets in the meadow made sleepy little noises, so it must have been over an hour before anybody woke up. It is close, said Mrs. Duck, shoving out the eggshells with her bill. Besides it never suits young ducks to keep them sitting still. So rising from her nest she said, no children, look at me, a well-read duck should waddle so from side to side. Do you see? I'll play duck too, said Puss, jumping to his feet and imitating Mrs. Duck. The ducklings looked at Puss in wonder. He'd make a fine duck, said one little duckling. If he had feathers instead of fur, laughed Mrs. Duck. If he had yellow stockings like us, said another duckling, instead of red-top boots. Stop your quacking, cried Mrs. Duck. Did you hear what I said about waddling just now? Yes, said the little ones and then she went on to explain. A well-read duck turns in his toes, as I do. Try again. Puss Junior turned in his toes exactly the way they did, which made them laugh. Even Mrs. Duck chuckled. Right, she cried. Or Puss Junior will do it better than you. Thank you, ma'am, said Puss with a grin. Won't you try to do better? said Mrs. Duck, turning to her brood with an anxious expression on her kind face. Yes, said the ducklings, waddling on. That's better, said them other. But well-read ducks walk in a row, straight one behind the other. I wish I had a drum, cried Puss. We could make believe we were soldiers. But Mrs. Duck did not answer. Do your best, she said to her little brood. Yes, said the little ducks again, or waddling in a row. Now to the pond, said old Mrs. Duck, splash splash and in they go. I wish I could swim, cried Puss. It looks like great sport. End of Chapter 28 Chapter 29 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe. 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 Jennifer Painter. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. How to be a duck. Let me swim first, said old Mrs. Duck, to this side now to that. As they make young ducklings fat. See who can swim the fastest, cried Puss. Why don't you have a race? The nine little ducklings stopped. Line up in a row, cried Puss, and when I cry, go! Swim as fast as you can. And the one who reaches this bank first wins. I'll give a bright penny to the winner. All the ducklings arranged themselves in a row. And when Puss cried one, two, three, go! They paddled away as hard as they could. Back and forth went their little yellow feet. Such a splashing, nearer and nearer they came. One little duck flapped his wings upon the water. And in this way, managed to get ahead. He was the first to land. Here is your penny, cried Puss. What can I do with it, mother? He asked. You can get a stick of candy tomorrow. Not this afternoon, for it's time now to go home to the farm. Now, when you reach the poultry yard, the henwife molly head will feed you with the other fowls on bran and mashed up bread. Mrs. Duck came out of the water and shook herself well, sending quite a shower of water in little drops all about her. Puss jumped back to avoid a shower bath. The ducklings stood up on their toes and flapped their small wings. Then off they all went, Mrs. Duck in the lead. Puss followed behind, taking care not to step on the yellow toes of the last duckling. As they neared the barnyard, Mrs. Duck turned and said, the hens will peck and fight, but mind, I hope that all of you will gobble up the food as fast as well-bred duck should do. The woman who took care of the poultry yard was already there. From a well-filled pan she was scattering handfuls of corn in all directions. There were a great many chickens who darted hither and thither, picking up the grains of corn. When the corn was all gone, she set down a dish of food. No sooner had she done this than Mrs. Duck exclaimed, you'd better get into the dish unless it is too small. In that case I should use my foot and overturn it all. The ducklings did as they were bid and found the plan so good that from the day the other fowls got hardly any food. My! But she's a wise old duck, said Puster himself with a grin. End of Chapter 29 Chapter 30 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. When I was a little boy it was a queer looking house that Puss Junior saw in the distance. It seemed more like a box with another little box tacked on through the top of which rose a long piece of stovepipe which, I suppose, served as a chimney. It was usually made of bricks in Old Mother Goose country. On the front porch sat a little old man smoking a pipe from which the smoke drifted away in little gray clouds while the smoke from the stovepipe chimney stretched out like a long black feather. Good day! said Puss, taking off his hat. Come and rest beside me! said the old man, pushing forward an armchair. So Puss sat down and looked. A warm day, my good sir. Yes, indeed, replied the little old man, but all days seemed very much alike to me. Do they? asked Puss. Why? Well, I'll tell you the story of my life, said the little old man, and taking his pipe from his lips he began. When I was a little boy I lived by myself and all the bread and cheese I got I laid upon the shelf. The rats in the mice they made such a strife that I was forced to go to town and buy me a wife. The streets were so broad and the lanes were so narrow I was forced to bring my wife home in a wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow broke and my wife had a fall. Farewell, wheelbarrow, wife and all. And have you lived alone ever since? asked Puss. Yes, replied the old man and the mice and the rats give me no peace. They eat up all my cheese and flour. I'll help you, said Puss. Let me stay here tonight and I'll catch every rat and mouse that bothers you inside the house. You can make up poetry as well as I can, said the old man with a laugh. Why, that's the first laugh I've had in many a long year. I like you, Sir Cat. You're an obliging sort of person. You shall have the best my small home affords. I only hope you will rid the place of rats and mice. Leave that to me, replied Puss with a grin. End of Chapter 30 Recording by Valentina Vacelli Chapter 31 of Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, visit LibriVox.org. Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe by David Corey. Good riddance. Now, let me see. In the last story, we left Little Puss Junior in the house of the old man who brought his wife home in a wheelbarrow. Well, Puss heard him take off his shoes and get into bed, and then out went the light. I guess the old man leaned out of bed and blew it out, oh my no. He slipped off his red top boots so as not to frighten the rats and the mice and stole softly over to the window. The moon was bright and the stars were twinkling in the sky. It's a long time since I've been a mouser, laughed Puss to himself. I wonder if I have lost my cunning. And he sat down by the window and crossed his leg over the other. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And it was not the night before Christmas, either. Pretty soon, the sound of scampering feet caught his ear. And, turning his head, he saw a dozen mice or more running over the floor. And after that, two big rats stole softly across the old rag rug in front of the fireplace. With a leap, Puss landed close to the rats and with his right paw laid hold of the nearest and with his left paw caught the other. Squeak, squeak! Oh, let us go! They cried. Not unless you promised to leave this house, replied Puss fiercely, his whiskers standing out straight and his eyes glaring like two balls of fire. We will, we will! Squeak the rats. Then go! cried Puss. And don't you ever come back! cried the terrified rats. And after that, Puss softly crept into the kitchen where on the table sat three little mice eating a piece of cake. In a second, Puss had them fast in his claws. Squeak, squeak! Scream the little mice. I'll spare you, said Puss, glaring at them with eyes as bright as automobile lamps. I'll let you go if you'll promise to leave this house with all your sisters and brothers and cousins and aunts and fathers and mothers and grandmothers and grandfathers and all your friends and everybody else that I can't think of for I'm so mad I could eat you. Oh, don't! They cried. And after that, the little old man cried the terrified rats and mice. End of Chapter 31 Recording by Valentina Vachele Chapter 32 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso 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 Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey Mr. Fox It was late in the evening as Puss Junior entered a gloomy forest. It was very dark beneath the big tall trees so by and by he stopped and looked about him when all of a sudden a fox went out in a hungry plight and he begged of the moon to give him light for he'd many miles to trot that night. Well as soon as the fox had finished seeking Lady Moon to show him the way Puss cried out Oh Mr. Fox, take me with you for I'm lost in this forest but goodness me the fox was so frightened at the sound of Puss Junior's voice that he jumped behind a tree Who speaks to me he asked faintly Puss and Boots Junior Ah replied the fox coming out from his hiding place Oh I'm not afraid at first I thought you were a farmer Farmers don't like me Why should they? asked Puss You steal their ducks and chickens Softly softly whispered the fox Someone may hear you Very well replied Puss I'll whisper if you show me the way Come along replied the fox and every now and then the moon peeped through the treetops to help Mr. Fox find his way But for all that the forest was very gloomy and Puss nearly stumbled two or three times and so did Mr. Fox At first he came to a farmer's yard where the ducks and geese declared it hard that their nerve should be shaken and their rest be marred by the visit of Mr. Fox Do you hear what they say about me asked the fox in a whisper They say you give them bad dreams replied Puss that you keep them awake and ruin their nerves Ha ha ha laughed Mr. Fox What do they expect Do they imagine I come here to sing them to sleep to stand under the coop window and sing a lullaby Ha ha I'm very fond of duck and very fond of goose but not in that way Oh my no and he grinned until his long white teeth shown in the moonlight End of Chapter 32 Recording by Jen Broda Chapter 33 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer LibriVox.org Recording by Jen Broda Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey Mr. Slipper Slopper When Mr. Fox laughed he showed all his long sharp teeth and Puss was mighty glad he had his trusty staff with him in case Mr. Fox became ugly but nothing unpleasant happened and by and by they came to the hen house Puss was peeking through a crack in the boards but before he had time to utter a cry of warning Mr. Fox seized the black duck by the neck and swung her across his back the black duck cried out quack quack quack with her legs hanging dangling down and away he went out through the door across the barnyard and up the hill and I guess Lady Moon wished she hadn't shown the bad old fox through the dark forest and after that Puss pounded on the kitchen door and shouted the fox has run off with the black duck what's the matter asked Mrs. Slipper Slopper who has taken the black duck hurry up called Puss the fox has a good start it will be hard to catch him so Mrs. Slipper Slopper pulled in her head and pretty soon came thumping down the stairs and opened the door which way did the fox go asked Mr. Slipper Slopper up the hill said Puss where's my gun asked Mr. Slipper Slopper turning to his wife why don't you remember John she replied you lent it to old neighbor Jones last week so I did said Mr. Slipper Slopper well I'm going after him anyway cried Mr. Slipper Slopper picking up the broom if I catch him I'll hit him a whopper you wouldn't hit an old man like neighbor Jones cried Mrs. Slipper Slopper excitedly no the fox cried Mr. Slipper Slopper I mean the fox you'd better put on your boots said his wife you can't go in your slippers end of chapter 33 recording by Jen Broda chapter 34 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso 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 Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey a dinner invitation goodness me Mr. Slipper Slopper took so long to pull on his boots that Puss said really if you don't hurry the fox will be miles away and you'll never get back your gray goose yes John you had better take this young cat's advice cried Mrs. Slipper Slopper then John he went up to the hill and he blew a blast both loud and shrill says the fox this is very pretty music still I'd rather be at my den gracious me exclaimed Puss to himself Mr. Slipper Slopper is crazy why does he blow his horn it's bad enough to hunt a fox with a broom look here Mr. Slipper Slopper he cried you have no boots you have nothing but slippers you have no gun you have nothing but an old broom and what's more you have no sense you deserve to lose your gray goose and your black duck goodbye and Puss ran off and discussed I have no use for a man who can't protect his own he muttered to himself I won't help catch that fox I have a feast he must eat as well as Mr. Slipper Slopper probably Mr. Slipper Slopper would have killed the gray goose for dinner in a few days anyhow helloa what are you talking about cried Mr. Fox jumping out from behind a large stone so you think old Slipper Slopper would have killed the goose and eaten it himself do you asked the fox with a grin well answered Puss he muttered at the appearance of Mr. Fox I thought it pretty mean of you to steal his goose but now that I found out what a foolish man Mr. Slipper Slopper is I'm glad you have a good dinner in store for yourself and family that's very nice of you said Mr. Fox with another grin neither have I forgotten that you helped me out at the forest continued Puss and I feel very friendly toward you if that's the case the fox said in a kind voice you come home with me and Mrs. Fox will give you some of the best roast duck you have ever tasted in your life End of Chapter 34 Recording by Jen Broda Chapter 35 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso 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 Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey Roast Duck Puss Junior accepted the invitation of Mr. Fox to dine for he was hungry and the very thought of roast duck for supper made his mouth water Thank you Mr. Fox he answered let me carry the duck for you the goose is enough of a load you are right replied the fox handing the duck to Puss it was a hard run up that hill if I had known the farmer better however I wouldn't have hurried so well lead the way and I'll follow said Puss at last the fox got home to his den to his dear little fox's 8-9-10 says he your luck here's a good fat duck with her legs hanging dangling down this is Puss in boots Junior he said turning to his good wife Mrs. Fox he has carried the duck for me for I have a big fat goose then Mrs. Fox asked Puss to sit down and rest while she cooked the supper and the little foxes begged him a story what kind of story do you like asked Puss tell them how I crept into the henhouse and got away from old Mr. Sliperslopper said Mr. Fox you keep them quiet and I'll pluck off the feathers while Mrs. Fox heats the oven then we'll lose no time in roasting the duck alright replied Puss I'll tell them about it and as soon as Mr. Fox went out of the room Puss commenced your father and I crept softly into the barnyard and then your daddy tiptoed into the henhouse and said to Madam Goose buy your leave I'll take you away and carry you home to my den oh I'm not quite sure whether he or Madam Goose said oh but that doesn't make any difference I think it must have been Madam Goose said a little fox I think she was frightened maybe you're right said Puss with a smile at any rate when your father caught the black duck there was no mistake about what she said it was quack quack quack well just then Mr. Fox came in and said dinner was ready he then sat down with his hungry wife they did very well without fork or knife they never ate a better goose in all their life and the little ones picked the bones and Puss Junior had all he could eat too end of chapter 35 recording by Jen Broda chapter 36 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso 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 Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey Taffy Taffy was a Welshman Taffy was a thief Taffy came to my house and stole a piece of beef I went to Taffy's house Taffy wasn't home Taffy came to my house and stole a marrow bone I went to Taffy's house Taffy was in bed Taffy came to my house and stole a marrow bone and beat about his head well I guess you did what was right said Puss Junior as he and Tom Thumb near the butcher shop in a small village the butcher who had just spoken in rhyme shifted from one foot to the other in an uneasy sort of way but that isn't all he went on to say in a rather anxious tone of voice Puss Junior who didn't appear very sympathetic although the name Taffy appealed to him and made him wonder what sort of person Taffy was the truth of the matter is the butcher went on to say I hit him a bit too hard with the marrow bone his head is in bad shape and the doctor says it will be some weeks yet before Taffy gets out of bed gracious me exclaimed Tom Thumb why weren't you more careful? that's just it replied the butcher why wasn't I more careful and then he gave a sigh and went into his shop to wait on a customer let's make a call on Taffy said Puss Junior somehow I can't help liking him I don't know whether it's on account of his name or not but Taffy sounds awfully nice to me it tastes awfully good to me laughed Tom Thumb you must have him mixed up with candy that's the reason you like him I guess come on and we'll soon find out cried Puss Junior I'm curious to see what Welsh Taffy is like so they both walked up the street inquiring on the way where Taffy lived if the house Taffy owned was any indication that Taffy was a nice sort of person it certainly spoke well for him for it was the prettiest and most home-like little place Puss had ever seen I like him already said Puss as he knocked on the door End of Chapter 36 Recording by Jen Broda Chapter 37 of Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso 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 Puss Junior and Robinson Caruso by David Corey a kind visit of course Taffy didn't come to the door but a little Welsh woman did and dropping a curtsy she invited Puss and Tom Thumb in how is Taffy Puss asked his head is still painful replied the little Welsh woman but for that he feels quite well thank you and she dropped another curtsy may we see him asked Tom Thumb well I don't know she replied but I will inquire won't you step into the seating room where the young lady and the young lady walked in and sat down the little canary bird hopped about in her cage and the flowers in the green boxes and the bay window nodded in the sunlight as the big old clock in the far corner ticked away the minutes come up and see Taffy suddenly cried the voice of the little Welsh woman I guess Puss had almost fallen asleep listening to the drowsy tick so quiet and home-like it reminded him of his old home when he had prowled into the garret and discovered the story-book Puss and Boots yes Puss Junior felt a little bit homesick for no matter how humble there's no place like home taking Tom Thumb by the hand he followed the Welsh woman up the stairs where they found Taffy sitting propped up in bed his head done up in great bandages but oh what pleasant blue eyes he had and his red beard big and soft flowed down over the counter-pane and his big strong hand lay so quietly on his lap that Puss forgot he was Puss and Boots Junior son of the seneschal to my lord of caribus and jumped right up on the bed and nestled up to Taffy purring away just like an ordinary cat and what did Taffy do did he say scat you'll get the counter-pane all dirty with your red-topped boots no he didn't he just stroked Puss Junior with his big kind hand and the little Welsh woman picked up Tom Thumb and cuddled him in her bosom saying in a low voice Deary me but it's nice to have friends come to see you when everybody in town is calling my Taffy a thief and then a tear fell from her eye on little Tom Thumb's hat but he didn't care for somehow he felt there must be some mistake and that Taffy wasn't to blame and Puss felt the same way for he kept on purring and rubbing his nose against Taffy's big red hand