Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 4.djvu/234

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AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG.

day under the sofa, passed in deep thought, and without food or drink, he made up his mind to go home. Slipping out, he travelled all night, and appeared next morning, joyfully waving his tail, and purring like a small organ.

Aunt Trib was glad to see him, and when he had explained that he really did do his best about the mice, she forgave him, and got the trap for him to give grandma, that she might no longer be annoyed by having her private stores nibbled at.

"Dear madam, with respect  My offering I bring; The hooks all baited well,  And ready for a spring. No more the cunning mice  Your biscuits shall abuse, Nor put their babes to sleep  Within your fur-lined shoes. The trap my work must do;  Forgive your portly cat, For he, like you, has grown  For lively work too fat. All larger, fiercer game  I gallantly defy, And squirrel, rat and mole  Beneath my paw shall die. So, with this solemn vow,  T. Pib his gift presents, And sprawling at your feet  Purrs forth his compliments."
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