Well, after several miles had gone by, Puss drew rein at a drinking trough beside the road, where his faithful steed drank long and deep. And as they rested a while, who should fly by but a busy bumblebee, buzzing from flower to flower.
He was a jolly-looking bee, and presently he said to Puss, "Whither are you bound, my good Sir Cat?"
"To the castle of my Lord of Carabas," replied our little traveler. "I'm seeking my father, who is seneschal to my lord."
"Ah, is that so?" exclaimed the bee. "These are stirring times. I heard only last week that my Lord of Carabas was going to war!"
"What!" exclaimed our small hero, jumping to his feet and clapping his paw to his sword. "I must hurry on!"
"Bravely spoken," answered the bee. "I have seen many soldiers at the castle of late. Indeed, the country is all excitement—flags flying, drums beating, men drilling, women scraping lint. All is bustle and hustle."
"And what brings you so far from there?" inquired Puss, replacing his sword in his scabbard.
"My two good wings," replied the bumblebee, and he laughed as he dove head first into a flower after its dewy sweetness.
"Come, little master," cried the Good Gray Horse. "I am rested. Let us hasten on our journey."