A Friend in Need 
223 
was born in a stable that stood in the rear of some 
stores, and we never had a mistress like you have. 
Our master was very kind to his horse Jessie, and 
he seemed to enjoy having us cats around after we 
got old enough to play. But the old stable was so 
infested with fleas, we never had a moment’s peace; 
and my poor mother became thin and gaunt trying to 
keep herself and us looking respectable. That bath 
last night, I dreaded it at first ; but when I saw those 
fleas floating around in the suds I thought I ought 
to be able to stand it for their sakes. If my mother 
could have a bath like that and a brushing, and 
then lie down peacefully on our clean soft pad, it 
would be bliss unheard of to her. But she will never 
leave that dirty old stable so long as she and Jessie 
can share it together, and indeed I don’t think she 
could have a more devoted friend ; for many a 
cold night did we sleep in Jessie’s stall cuddled 
close up to her warm, sleek body. Near our stable 
was a big hotel where our mother got daily many 
choice bits of meat and fish, and this is how she 
made her living and raised her kittens ; and I tell 
you it was pretty hard work for her to carry enough 
food for so many hungry little mouths.” 
“ How many were there of you ? ” said I. 
