GRIMALKIN THE CAT 141 
other cat had done. He gathered it up in his paws 
and flung it over his head, leaping after it and 
shaking it, but its nose only twitched feebly and it 
fumbled with its paws. By now it was nearly 
dark, and Cook, who had an idea that a cat of any 
age was necessarily possessed of a charm to scare 
away mice, came out to look for him. For the first 
time in his life Grimalkin turned and spat at her, lest 
she should intend to snatch his treasure from him. 
Then he darted with it into the kitchen, and took 
refuge under the dresser. 
' Shure, he has a mouse cot at last,' said Cook, 
well pleased. She turned down the light, raked out 
the fire and left the room, locking the door behind 
her. Then Grimalkin crept on to the hearth, 
carrying his mouse with him. As a rule he drowsed 
happily all evening, for then there was peace in the 
kitchen, and no fear of heavy felt-shod feet descending 
upon his tail. To-night, however, he did not sleep, 
but sat and watched the glow of the embers slowly 
fade beneath a coat of white ash. Presently a 
cinder dropped with a crash, and that was a sign 
for the cockroaches to come out. They ran to and 
fro in the shadows, and the red light turned their 
wing-cases to copper. Grimalkin often caught and 
ate beetles, but to-night he did not look at them, 
but wandered restlessly about the room. After one 
