6 



thp: rat 



Ah ! I was forgetting my new name. I should be 

 allowed to put a hyphen between Mr, and Samuel, 

 and become ' Mr. — Samuel, H.T.,' but I do not 

 somehow like the look of it. I think I'd rather die. 

 If I do happen to get over it and live to be six, 

 then I shall be ' — Samuel, Esq.,' and one day of 

 that is sure to finish me off. And then, hey ! for 

 the joys of ghost-land ! 



I have now more or less introduced myself to 

 you, though I am afraid that there are many wrong 

 ideas still firmly rooted in your brain. Never mind ; 

 a vigorous and determined rat can root up most 

 things, and I will have a try presently, if you Avill 

 allow me. But first of all I want you to tell me 

 one or two things that I can never quite under- 

 stand. It is fairly your turn to talk, and if you 

 have a drink about anywhere, a drop of milk for 

 choice, or even water, it would give me great 

 pleasure to drink to the hopes of a better under- 

 standing between us, for I am a very thirsty animal, 

 and a little talking soon gives me a dry mouth. I 

 hope that my language is polite, and such as you 

 are in the habit of hearing. Thank you very much : 

 most refreshing ; not a headache in a hogshead, I'll 

 warrant ! Now I can listen in comfort. 



AVhat I want to know, if you will pardon my 



