Cunning Nancy and Her Kittens
Three little Kittens were born in a House where there were two lively Children The Kittens were at once named Tom, Dick, and Harry.
As soon as they were big enough to handle, the Children began to carry them round, indoors and out. Nancy, the mamma Cat, did not like her Kittens to be handled so much, for she knew it was not good for them. She mewed, but the children did not notice her distress.
Dick, a lovely grey, seemed to be her pet. She took the best care of him, and seemed most worried when the children picked him up.
One day little Dick could not be found. The Children hunted for him, but in vain. They noticed that Nancy did not seem anxious, nor did she go looking for her lost Kitten.
They did not notice, however, that she would often go up the Stairs, and stay away awhile from Tom and Harry.
When washing day came, they found out all about it. In a low, dark Cupboard upstairs, where the soiled clothes were kept, Nancy and Dick were found. Dick was snugly wrapped in the clothes, and purred contentedly. Mamma Nancy lay beside him. She had taken her favorite Kitten and hidden him, so that the children should not play with him.