“We’ve chosen a good time,” whispered Major, “while Michael is getting my supper and spreading down my bedding for the night; the rats keep out of the way while he is around. Come a little bit nearer, if you please, so that I can whisper in your ear.”
The little sparrow came as near as he could, and Major put his big mouth close to his little ear as he sat perched on the edge of the manger. How small he did look, to be sure, by the side of the great horse; but he was a bright little fellow if he was small.
“Last night,” whispered Major, “I didn’t sleep very well. I think I must have eaten too much supper. Some time in the night I heard voices over my head, and I can tell you I listened with all my ears. One of the voices I knew well enough,—it was old Graywhisker’s; and the other was so timid and weak I was quite sure it belonged to little Mrs. Silverskin, and I soon found I was right. They often go in and out at night, because they know the barn-cat is likely to be asleep; but I suspected from their whispering that some mischief was up, and I listened.
“‘I’m afraid the vine will break,’ said Mrs. Silverskin; ‘I don’t dare venture on it.’
“‘Nonsense!’ answered the old fellow; ‘it will hold fast enough.’
“But the little mouse protested she was afraid, and then I heard her say, ‘I don’t like to steal Posy’s ribbon, she thinks so much of it.’
“‘Very well, ma’am,’ said old Graywhisker; ‘you just pack up and leave these premises before to-morrow night, or you’ll be sorry.’
“‘Oh, don’t turn me out of doors!’ said the poor little creature; ‘my babies are so young they’ll die if you do.’
“‘So much the better!’ snarled the old fellow.”
“The old villain!” said the sparrow.