"She found one to suit her at last, and before her kittens could wink, she had safely jumped to the ground outside, and was scampering along the wide garden path.
"Left to themselves for the first time, the kittens felt quite proud for a minute or two, and then they began to think of mischief.
"'Do you think we could get out of this box?' said No.3, the bold one.
"'We might get something nice to eat,' said No. 2, the greedy one.
"'I am afraid mother would not like it,' said No. 1, the affectionate one.
"'Nonsense,' said No. 3; 'I mean to try.' After several efforts, and tumbling back into the box, No. 3 did balance himself on the edge, and did jump to the ground.
"'Now, No. 2, where are you?' he mewed in rather a doleful tone; for though a brave kitten, he felt he would like a companion if this led him into a scrape.
"'I am getting up as fast as I can,' said No. 2; 'but did it hurt you to jump?'
"'Always take care of yourself,' sneered No. 3; 'but come along, or mother will be back.'
"No. 2 managed to scramble up, and jump down, and they both set off in search of pleasure, leaving No. 1 alone; for they knew from her character that it was useless to try to persuade her.