Fanny began to laugh very heartily. The constable was staggered, and it was evident that he was not smart enough to deal with one so shrewd and clever as the wayward girl.
"What are you laughing at?" asked Mr. Long.
"I was laughing to think of the poor cat as she jumped out of the drawer and ran away. What did you put her in there for? Were you afraid she would steal the meat or the milk? Could that cat read, Mr. Long? Were you trying to teach her one of the ten commandments?"
"Do you mean to tell me, Fanny, that Mrs. Green let the cat out of the drawer?"
"Yes, she did. Poor pussy mewed awfully in the drawer, where you put her. Perhaps she was saying over the commandment you gave her to learn; but Mrs. Green didn't understand her lingo, and let her out."
"Fanny, I am going up to see Mrs. Green, and if you have told me a lie, it will be all the worse for you," said Mr. Long.
"You can ask Mrs. Green herself."
"I will ask her. You meant to steal: you were seen watching Mr. Grant when he had the key of the drawer."
"And you set a trap to catch me; but you caught Mrs. Green!" laughed Fanny.
"I don't believe a word of your story; but I am willing to be sure before I do anything."