A FRIENDLY RAT 237 



them, until the breaking -point was reached and 

 puss, in a sudden rage, let fly, dealing blow after 

 blow with lightning rapidity and with all the claws 

 out. The rat, shrieking with pain and terror, rushed 

 out of the room and was never seen again, to the 

 lasting grief of her mistress. But its memory will 

 long remain like a fragrance in the cottage — perhaps 

 the only cottage in all this land where kindly 

 feelings for the rat are cherished. 



