The Book of Cats. 29 



'' It does, certainly," rejoined the priest ; " yet I 

 mistrust that brute, and we will try to put it to the 

 proof, at any rate." 



After many suggestions, they agreed to pass 

 cords round the neck and under the shoulders of 

 the deceased, and carried the ends outside the room 

 door, which was exactly opposite the couch where 

 he lay. They then all quietly left the apartment, 

 almost closing the door, and remained perfectly 

 still. 



One of the party was directed to keep his eye 

 fixed on the Cat, the others after a short delay 

 slowly pulled the cords, which had the effect of 

 partially raising the head of the corpse. 



Instantly, at this apparent sign of life, the savage 

 Cat sprang from its corner, and, with a low yell and 

 a single bound, fastened upon the mangled neck of 

 its victim. 



At once the sad mystery was solved, the trea- 

 cherous, ungrateful, cowardly, and revengeful mur- 

 derer discovered ! and all that remained to be done 

 was to summon help to destroy the wild beast, and 

 in due time to bury the good man in peace. 



Well, to such stories as these I have no particular 

 objection, under certain circumstances. They are 



