XXIV 
RAISING A FAMILY 
Very soon after we had gone to Maple Road to 
live, one night a lot of little kittens came into my 
basket ; I suppose the kind Providence had sent 
them, for it was not yet time for Santa Claus to be 
around again. The little things squirmed and 
whined most pitifully, and I covered them with my 
body to keep them warm. 
As soon as it was daylight I took a look at my 
visitors, and there, behold, were six little blind, 
helpless creatures, two tigers, two Maltese and two 
black. “ What will my mistress say,” thought I, 
“ when she sees this ? ” I must confess I awaited 
her coming with some misgiving, fearing very much 
that she would be displeased. 
When mistress opened the door in the morning 
I arose and went to meet her as usual, and I apolo- 
gized as best I could ; but she did not even seem 
surprised. She petted me just as she was wont to 
165 
