Clematis, with tears in her eyes, turned away.
“Come on,” she said to her big friend. “Let us go.”
But Jim Cunneen drew her back. He loved little girls, and was also fond of cats.
“Don’t you think the cook might need it for a day or two, to catch the rats?” he asked, with his best smile.
“Oh dear me, I don’t know. I don’t think so. It’s against the rules for children to bring in pets.”
“Ah then, just wait a minute. I’ll be right back.”
The policeman ran down the steps and around the corner of the house, while the young woman asked Clematis questions.
“It’s all right then, I’m sure,” he called as he came back. “Katie says she would be very glad to have that cat to help her catch the rats.”
The young woman laughed; Clematis dried her tears, and Jim Cunneen waved his hand and said goodby.
In another moment the door opened, and Clematis, with Deborah still in her arms, was in her new home.