“I came very near being caught by the house-cat when I stole Hannah’s thimble,” said poor Mrs. Silverskin, “and I am afraid to go there so often.”
“Very well, Madam, then you can take the consequences,” replied Graywhisker fiercely.
“I suppose I must,” answered the little mouse sadly; “but if anything happens to me I hope you will see that my family are provided for.”
“You need have no fears for them,” answered Graywhisker. “To-night, when all is still, you take the thimble and hide it among some of Nancy’s things in her chamber. Hannah will find it before long, and then we’ll see how long they will believe Nancy innocent.”
A little later the sparrow was flying by Major, who was hitched to a post in the yard, ready to go to the depot for Mr. Winton, when he neighed to him to stop.
“Come here a minute and sit near me while I tell you something very important,” he said.
The sparrow did as he was bid, and perched on top of the post, close to Major’s nose.
“A little while ago, while I was taking my after-dinner nap,” began Major, “I heard voices, and I can tell you my ears were wide open. I soon discovered that the speakers were Mrs. Silverskin and a friend of hers. Mrs. Silverskin said, ‘I am all of a tremble, for I’ve just had an interview with Graywhisker, and he insists on my taking Hannah’s silver thimble and putting it among Nancy’s things, to make them think she stole it.’
“‘Well, what is there to tremble about?’ said the other mouse; ‘I don’t see anything alarming in that.’
“‘Just think of the danger I run in passing the house-cat,’ said Mrs. Silverskin; ‘she very nearly caught me the other day when I stole the thimble.’