THE CAT= 



Peace and War 



The strong enmity which exists between my 

 otherwise gentle and amiable cats is not unknown 

 to you. When you left us, the result of many a 

 fierce conflict was that Hurley remained master 

 of the green and garden, Rumpel always retiring, 

 upon the appearance of his victorious enemy, into 

 the house, as to a citadel or sanctuary. The con- 

 queror was perhaps indebted for this superiority 

 to his hardier habits, living always in the open 

 air, and providing for himself; while Rumpel (who, 

 though born under a bailiff's roof, was, neverthe- 

 less, kittened with a silver spoon in his mouth) 

 passes his hours in luxurious repose beside the 

 fire, and looks for his meals as punctually as any 

 two-legged member of the family. 



Some weeks ago Hurlyburlybuss was manifestly 

 emaciated and enfeebled by ill-health, and Rumpel- 

 stilzchen with great magnanimity made overtures 

 of peace. The whole progress of the treaty was 

 seen from the parlour window; — the caution with 

 which Rumpel made his advances, the sullen 

 dignity with which they were received, their mutual 

 uneasiness when Rumpel, after a slow and wary 

 approach, seated himself whisker-to-whisker by his 

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