100 
Pussy Meow 
Another song that came out of the box was “ My 
Pussy has gone from her Basket.” It seemed to be 
gotten up on purpose for pussies. Perhaps it I am 
a real good cat, the little old man will bring me a 
song box some time. Next Christmas eve I shall 
watch for him from my poplar tree. 
While I was admiring Jack’s presents and listen- 
ing to the lovely music, in came Willie Cotton, car- 
rying in his arms a beautiful jet black kitten with 
amber eyes and a white “ breastpin.” It had a yel- 
low ribbon around its neck, to which was fastened 
a note, as follows 
“ Labrador, Dec. 25. 
“ Dear Willie : 
“ This will introduce to you Nicodemus. 
I have sent him to you because you belong to the 
Band of Mercy, and want some animal to love and 
care for. Fix him a comfortable place in some 
room where he will be obliged to be neat and or- 
derly in his habits. He will make you no trouble, 
if you will take him out into the yard every morn- 
ing, noon and evening, and always take him to the 
same place. 
“ Your faithful friend, 
“ Mrs. Santa Claus.” 
As Nicodemus was a Manx cat, Jack treated him 
very kindly, and invited him to have some sardines 
