Miss Kitty Cat felt somewhat hurt. She went out and sat on the doorstep and[p. 107] looked in at Farmer Green's wife. Now and then she gave a plaintive mew. But Mrs. Green wouldn't pay any attention to her.
"Dear me!" said Miss Kitty. "Mrs. Green is busier than ever this morning."
Old dog Spot had been watching Miss Kitty's actions. And now, as she started towards the barn, he sidled up to her, wagging his tail to show her that he wanted to have a few friendly words with her.
"If Mrs. Green won't come with you, I'll be glad to," he offered. "Just lead the way and I'll follow."
"You?" Miss Kitty Cat exclaimed with scorn. "You needn't think I'd take you where I want Mrs. Green to come. You needn't think I'd show you what I want her to see."
"Ho!" cried old Spot. "I don't know[p. 108] how you're going to stop me from following you."
"I do," said Miss Kitty firmly. "If you try to tag along after me where I'm going I'll soon make you wish you had minded your own affairs."
There was a look in her eyes that old Spot did not like. It reminded him of the time when he cornered Miss Kitty in the barn, soon after she arrived at the farm. He remembered that his nose still bore the marks of her sharp claws.
"Well, well!" he said. "I was only joking. I'm too busy to bother with you, anyhow. I have a little matter to attend to in the pasture. There's a Woodchuck up there that's getting too bold."
Then he trotted off, trying to look as important as possible, so that no one would think he was afraid of Miss Kitty Cat.[p. 109]