“What do you propose to do about it, pray?” asked the barn-cat in an irritable tone. “It’s all very well to say ‘Don’t be discouraged,’ but what is to be done? Sitting here and talking about it won’t bring the gray kitten back. Come, let’s have your ideas on the subject. I’m not too old to learn, if I have brought up half a dozen families.”
“I don’t pretend to know myself the best course to pursue,” answered the canary good-naturedly, “and I shouldn’t presume to dictate to you who have had so much more experience than I have. I only meant to say that Mrs. Polly, who has the wisest head of any of us, could probably advise us what to do.”
Mrs. Polly gave a satisfied “Ahem!” for it always put her in a good humor to be looked up to.
“That’s a good idea,” said the barn-cat, appeased by the canary’s good-nature. “Come, Mrs. Polly, I hope you will give us your views on the subject; I know you have been thinking it over.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Polly in an impressive manner, “I have been considering the case, and have come to the conclusion that the only way to accomplish anything is to investigate the case in a thorough manner. Call the animals together, and I will interview them, and discover, if possible, if they can throw any light on this painful affair.”
“Capital!” exclaimed the barn-cat, “I will attend to it at once. If you’ve no objection, ma’am, I should like to bring my kittens; they are old enough to begin to learn how such matters are conducted, and I like to have them get all the information they can.”
“Very sensible indeed,” answered Mrs. Polly; “bring them by all means, and tell the house-cat to bring hers. Please notify the sparrow also of the meeting; and as Major can’t be present you will have to take his affidavit. That is,” explained Mrs. Polly, seeing a puzzled look on the barn-cat’s face, “he must tell you what he knows about the matter, and you can report it to me.”
“That’s very easy,” answered the barn-cat. “Finding the sparrow won’t be quite so easy. He’s never around when he’s wanted.”
“Yes, he is, my darling,” answered a voice from the flowering currant; “he can’t tear himself away from you long;” and there sat the sparrow, swinging on a slender branch, and looking as impudent and careless as ever.
“Well, you are here when you’re wanted for once in your life,” said the barn-cat. “See if you can keep still in one place till we’re ready for the meeting;” and off went the barn-cat on her errand.