[PLANTING A PUSSY]
Charlie was a little rogue, and Charlie's papa was a big rogue; and two rogues together get into all sorts of mischief.
Charlie wanted a kitten, and one day when he was teasing papa said carelessly:
"Plant old black Nig. I wouldn't wonder if she came up sort of kittenish!"
Papa laughed behind his paper to see him march out to the garden with the big, sleepy black cat under one arm and a hoe under the other.
But when Charlie began to dig, Pussy began to struggle out from under his arm, and, getting away, she ran for her life. Charlie dropped his hoe and ran too. Tears also would have run had there been less wisdom in that little curly head. But Charlie knew that Puss would not wait while he mourned her departure!
What a race that was! Puss led him under fences, through bushes, over gates, up trees, and, at last, through the open window, Charlie of course followed, and what a fall was that!
When Charlie rose, the black cat sat calmly upon the table. Charlie thought she actually laughed at his forlorn appearance. Well, he didn't look as well as when the race began, but his courage was still good; so he resolved to try again, if the Big Rogue would help.