"Nobody said, my lord!" cried the old retainer. "But consider your health. Let's take this wise cat's suggestion and quit for the time being."
"All right," said the King. "Let's go find the Queen."
She was in the parlor eating bread and honey. "How do you do, my dear Puss, Junior?" she cried.
"I am very well, thank Your Majesty," he replied.
"I have just heard what valuable assistance you have rendered our court," continued the Queen.
Puss would have blushed had not his cheeks been covered with whiskers.
"I did but do my duty, Your Majesty," he replied.
"What's that?" asked the King.
"Did you not hear, my lord?" cried the Queen. "Our maid had her nose bitten by a naughty blackbird, and our little friend here quickly fetched the Doctor, bringing him on his Good Gray Horse in short time."
"Indeed!" exclaimed His Majesty. "I will reward him. He shall have a castle and a retinue."