The Slum Cat 
Jap marvelled at his own cheek in sending his 
Slum Cat into such company. 
‘““ Excuse me, madame.” The director of the 
show now appeared, edging his way through 
the crowd. “ The artist of the ‘Sporting Ele- 
ment’ is here, under orders to sketch the ‘ pearl 
of the show’ for immediate use. May I ask 
you to stand a little aside ? That ’s it; thank 
you.” 
“Oh, Mr. Director, cannot you persuade 
him to sell that beautiful creature ? ” 
“Hm, I don’t know,” was the reply. “I 
understand he is a man of ample means and 
not at all approachable; but I ’ll try, I ’ll try, 
madame. He was quite unwilling to exhibit his 
treasure at all,so I understand from his butler. 
Here, you, keep out of the way,” growled the 
director, as the shabby little man eagerly pushed 
between the artist and the blue-blooded Cat. 
But the disreputable one wanted to know where 
valuable Cats were to be found. He came 
near enough to get a glimpse of the cage, and 
there read a placard which announced that 
“The blue ribbon and gold medal of the 
Knickerbocker High Society Cat and Pet 
41 
