Mother Bunch's round furry face appeared at the door looking in at them. "What's the matter? Has Jazbury been doing anything?"
"No, he hasn't been doing it, that's the matter," and Aunt Tabby poured out the whole story, while Jazbury stood by looking both sullen and ashamed.
"I don't care; I couldn't help it," he said.
"Don't say 'don't care' to me," said Mother Bunch. "It isn't respectful--not to me, nor to your aunt either. The mouse has gone, I suppose, so there's no use in your staying here. You may go out on the kitchen steps. But you mustn't play around or go over to see Fluffy. That is your punishment for being so careless, and disrespectful, too."
V
Jazbury sat out on the kitchen steps and sulked. He did not think Aunt Tabby had any right to box his ears. And instead of being sorry for him his mother had scolded him. It wasn't fair. He was always getting scolded and punished. Well, he'd just run away. That's what he'd do. He'd run away and never come back. Then they'd be sorry. Maybe they'd cry. He just wished they would. He'd be glad if they cried.
Suddenly Fluffy's little furry white face peered over the fence. "Hello, Jazbury."
Jazbury did not answer at once. Then he said, "'Lo!"
"What's the matter?"