He caught his hat, and walked down the garden path as if whistling for a wager.

“There, you have made him angry,” declared Fan.

“I cannot help it. He doesn’t seem to care for anything. O!”

I was after him in a minute, for there he had Tabby by the nape of the neck, holding her up high to see her draw up her feet and curl her tail between her legs like a dog.

“Put her down!” I cried, authoritatively.

He held me off with one arm.

“Why, she likes it,” he said. “Look! what an angelic smile illumines her countenance!”

“Mia-o-o-ow!” was kitty’s answer, in a prolonged wail; but she managed to twist herself out of his grasp, and bounded off.

“You are a cruel, hateful boy!” I exclaimed, angrily.

But he only laughed, and went on his way whistling. Fan glanced up from her embroidery.