"Nonsense," answered Puss, Jr. "Who ever heard of a person sailing about in a cheese?"
"Well, I didn't mean a Swiss cheese," replied the Welshman who up to this time had said nothing. "Swiss cheeses are full of holes. I guess they wouldn't float very long."
"This boat has a big crack in it," said Puss. "Just look and see for yourself."
"Crackers and cheese!" laughed one of the three jolly Welshmen. "How do you like my joke?"
"It makes me feel hungry," said Puss, Jr. "I've had nothing to eat for a long time."
"Come with us, then," said the three jolly Welshmen; "we'll take you to see the Queen."
"I don't look very neat," replied Puss, rubbing the salt spray from his boot-tops.
"Neither do I," cried the little owl, preening his feathers and stretching out his tail. "I'm all ruffled up."
"Well, the Queen's making tarts to-day," cried the three jolly Welshmen all at once. "We're going, anyway."
Puss, Jr., and the little owl waited no longer, but followed the three Welshmen at once. In the distance could be seen the turrets of a stately castle. On arriving at the postern gate they were admitted after a slight delay. In the courtyard all was bustle and excitement. On long tables were spread the most delicious-looking tarts—raspberry, strawberry, lemon, apple, and all the other delicious varieties that could be imagined. Puss, Jr.'s, mouth fairly watered at the sight, and the little owl could hardly restrain himself from picking out strawberries that protruded from under the crust of a tart near at hand. The three jolly Welshmen also showed signs of impatience. They were as anxious to taste the tarts as were their small companions.