THE CATCHER CAUGHT.
First Sparrow (the one standing with both wings spread).—Oh, look here! Come all. See what has happened! Here is old Scratch-claw with his tail caught fast in the door.
Second Sparrow.—Where is he? Let me see. Oh, isn't this jolly! Halloo, Sparrows! Come and see. Come one, come all.
Third Sparrow.—That's the rascal that killed and ate three of my little ones.
Fourth Sparrow.—He came near catching me, the other day. Didn't he spit viciously when he saw me get out of his way?
Fifth Sparrow (the one on the ground).—How are you, old Sneezer? How are your folks? Don't you find yourself comfortable?
Pussy.—Siss-ss-siss-ss! Mee-ow? mee-ow!
Fifth Sparrow.—Oh! wouldn't you like to, though? Spit away, old fellow! It's music to us sparrows.
Sixth Sparrow.—You are the brute that killed my dear little Spotted-wing.
Seventh Sparrow.—He also murdered my precious little Twitterwit.
Eighth Sparrow.—He is a bad fellow; and it is not surprising he has come to grief.
Ninth Sparrow.—Pull away, old boy! Sha'n't we come and help you? I love you so, I would like a lock of your hair.
Tenth Sparrow (the one on the lowest bough).—Children, hush! It is not good sparrow morality to jeer at an enemy in affliction,—even a cat.
Fifth Sparrow.—O grandfather, you shut up your bill! Just you go within reach of his claws, and see what cat-gratitude is.
Tenth Sparrow.—My children, we must not exult over the pains even of an enemy. A cat has feelings.
Pussy.—Siss-hiss-hoo! Mee-ow! Fitt! Fitt!
Fifth Sparrow.—What a lovely voice!
Sixth Sparrow.—The expression of his face, too, how charming!
Tenth Sparrow.—Fly back, all of you, to your bushes and trees; for here comes a little boy who will see that Pussy is rescued.
First Sparrow.—Well, I wouldn't have missed this spectacle for a good deal.
Fifth Sparrow.—It is better than Barnum's exhibition any day.
First Sparrow.—Yes, and it costs us nothing.
Tenth Sparrow.—There! Fly away, all of you! Fly away! You have said enough. I am ashamed of you all. You ought to know better than to be revengful. You are quite as bad as boys and men.
Fifth Sparrow.—Grandfather is getting to be abusive. Let us fly off. Good-by, Pussy! Pull away!
Alfred Selwyn.
