CHAPTER 11. 



That cats may be trained to respect the lives of other 

 animals, and also birds on which they habitually feed, is a 

 well-known fact. In proof of this I well recollect a story 

 that my father used to tell of " a happy family" that was 

 shown many years ago on the Surrey side of Waterloo 

 Bridge. Their abode consisted of a large wire cage placed 

 on wheels. In windy weather the "breezy side" was 

 protected by green baize, so draughts were prevented, and 

 a degree of comfort obtained. As there was no charge for 

 " the show," a box was placed in front with an opening for 

 the purpose of admitting any donations from those who felt 

 inclined to give. On it was written '' The Happy Family — 

 their money-box." The family varied somewhat, as 

 casualties occurred occasionally by death from natural causes 

 or sales. Usually, there was a Monkey, an Owl, some 

 Guinea-pigs, Squirrels, small birds, Starlings, a Magpie, 

 Rats, Mice, and a Cat or two. But the story ? Well, the 

 story is this. One day, when my father was looking at 

 " the happy family," a burly-looking man came up, and, 

 after a while, said to the man who owned the show : " Ah ! 

 I don't see much in that. It is true the cat does not touch 

 the small birds [one of which was sitting on the head of the 

 cat at the time], nor the other things ; but you could not 

 manage to keep rats and mice in there as well." "Think 

 not?" said the showman. "I think I could very easily." 

 " Not you," said the burly one. *' I will give you a month 

 to do it in, if you like, and a shilling in the bargain if you 



