“I hope I do,” said Blackie. “I used to live with a very nice little boy and girl, who treated me kindly, and gave me warm milk for breakfast. One day I strayed too far off, went in a vacant house and was locked in. I found my way to the roof and, later, met a good lady who cared for me. She took me out to the country in a basket, but when the cover came loose I jumped out, thinking I could find my way back home alone. But I can’t seem to, and I’ve walked ever and ever so far. Then these boys chased me and I ran in here.”
“Well, I wish I could help you, but I can’t leave the circus,” said Dido. “Here is a bit of fish I didn’t need; you may have that, and perhaps you will feel better after eating.”
Blackie did. She thanked Dido very much and went to sleep in the straw of the bear’s cage. One of the animal men saw her and gave her some milk to drink.
“Can’t you really stay and see me do some tricks?” asked Dido.
“No, thank you,” spoke Blackie. “I’ll just peep out of this tent, as you call it, and if the boys are gone I’ll trot along. Maybe I shall find my home to-day.”
Blackie looked out under the tent. She saw no boys.
“Good-by!” called the lost cat to Dido. “I’m going away.”
“I hope you find your home, and that I see you again,” said Dido. “Good-by!”
In a few more weeks the weather grew quite cool, and one day the big circus tent was taken down for the last time, the cages were put on the cars, and the circus started on a long journey.
“Where are we going?” asked Dido of Tum Tum.