But he was not lonely, for he was continually seeing new sights and new people.
One morning as he trudged along a road bordered by green meadows he saw at some little distance ahead a large apple-tree. As he drew near a pussy-cat ran up the trunk.
Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree,
Up went Pussy-Cat, and down went he;
Down came Pussy-Cat, away Robin ran;
Said Little Robin Redbreast, "Catch me if you can!"
Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a wall,
Pussy-Cat jumped after him, and almost got a fall;
Little Robin chirp'd and sang, and what did Pussy say?
Pussy-Cat said, "Mew," and Robin flew away.
"What are you trying to do?" asked Puss in Boots, Jr., stopping in front of the tree and looking up at the pussy-cat, who sat upon the wall, looking after the robin, who had flown away.
"I'm not trying to do anything," replied the pussy-cat, crossly, "but I was wishing I had wings."
"They would be very nice," replied Puss, Jr., reflectively; "they would be most convenient at times."
"Indeed they would!" answered the pussy-cat; "they'd be lots better even than red-topped boots."
Puss looked down at his feet. "Perhaps," he answered, "but I have found my boots most helpful. Do you know," he continued, "if people would be a little more contented with what they have I think they'd get more."
The pussy-cat did not answer for a few minutes. Then she said: "What you say is very true. I suppose I ought to be thankful that I have such nice strong claws. It's not hard work climbing trees, and, as far as running goes, my legs carry me very well. Perhaps I don't need wings, after all."
"Well, I never saw a flying cat," admitted Puss, Jr., "although I've seen some remarkable things since I started out to find my father, Puss in Boots."