ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 279 



" The brute thought I wanted to have a boxing match 

 with him ; he not unnaturally associated the gloves with 

 fighting, and as soon as I put my head close to his, he 

 struck out. 



" His master scolded him, and when peace had been 

 restored I made a second attempt, this time on the 

 lookout for the attack. 



"But I had only just settled down to work, when up 

 went his paws again, and I scarcely dodged in time. 



" Now the brute entered into the fun with a whole 

 heart ; he rained his blows at me, ducking his head in the 

 finest style whenever I tried to capture it. 



" His defence was faultless and his right-paw swing 

 terrific. 



1 could not get near him, try as I might, and the 

 more I tried the more fiercely he sparred, and so at last I 

 owned myself beaten. 



" By this time, a large crowd had assembled outside 

 the tent, hearing the noise of my attempt to fight the 

 boxing puma. 



" So the showman insisted on arranging a special per- 

 formance for my benefit, and, setting me on a throne of 

 honour, he opened his tent to the crowd, charging double 

 price for admission, and reaping a rich harvest thereby. 



*' When I saw the puma boxing with his master, I 

 realised what a dangerous feat I had attempted ! 



" I am still on the lookout for a quiet puma, who will 

 allow me to draw its eyes in the cause of science." 



I must apologise for including the above amongst my 

 anecdotes, but it so strongly reminded me of the per- 



