THROUGH THE FOREST
YOU remember when we left off in the last story, Puss had just made the Dickory Dare Pig get off the roof of the Yellow Hen's front piazza, after which the gaily feathered rooster and the Yellow Hen and Puss, Junior, went to sleep, which they couldn't do before on account of that dreadful pig snoring. Well, he never came back, for he was so afraid of Puss, Junior's, sword, that he kept on running until he lost his shadow, spent a year and a day hunting for it, and after that he sat down and rested.
The next morning bright and early, just as the sun was waking up in the East, the gaily feathered Rooster began to blow his silver horn to wake the people before the morn, and some got cross when they heard his song, but others hurried their dressing along, and pretty soon Puss was dressed and the little Yellow Hen combed her feathers and came down to breakfast. And while they were at the table, the Rooster came in and said:
"There was an old woman, as I've heard tell,
Who went to market her eggs to sell.
As she went to market her eggs to sell
On the asphalt pavement she slipped and fell.
Then came a policeman whose name was Stout,
When he saw all the eggs lying strewn about,
He said, 'What is this, a river of eggs
Too bad, my old woman, you slipped on your legs!'
Then he helped the little old woman to stand,
And placing a new dollar bill in her hand,
He said, 'My old woman, don't scramble your eggs
On the pavement again by losing your legs.'"
"I'll never let her take my eggs to market," said the Yellow Hen, and the Rooster flapped his wings and crowed, he was so glad. And after that Puss, Junior, said good-by and went upon his journey, and by and by he came to a forest. Now this forest was full of bold robbers, but Puss didn't know that, so he walked in and by and by he came to a little hut. From the chimney a thin gray feather of smoke slowly made its way up through the tall tree tops, and around the front door climbed a wild vine. Puss went up boldly and knocked and when the door opened he saw a fox. At first he was somewhat frightened, but the fox said, "Come in, Sir Cat," so our little traveler entered and sat down.
Then the fox asked him where he was going. "To see my dear father, the famous Puss in Boots," replied little Puss, Junior. "It's not very far from here," answered the fox, "but the way is dangerous. Many robbers lie in wait for the unwary traveler."
"I have my trusty sword," cried Puss, "I'm not afraid."
"Well, since you are so brave, I will help you," said the fox; "I know a way and will show you how you may escape the robbers."