William again

by Richmal Crompton

"It's wot he said," said William, doggedly. "He said distinctly that it was a valu'ble white cat, in a——"

"Be quiet, William!"

"BE QUIET, WILLIAM," SAID WILLIAM'S SISTER.
WILLIAM'S FATHER LIFTED THE LID AND PEERED IN.
SUDDENLY HE WITHDREW HIS FINGER WITH A YELL
OF PAIN.

William's father came across the room and held the lid open, peering in. Suddenly he withdrew his finger with a yell of pain and rushed from the room, uttering muffled curses.

"Do you mean to say, William," said Mrs. Brown, "that Mr. Romford sent Ethel that—whatever it is?"

"All I can say is wot he told me," said William. "He said it was a valu'ble——"

"Mother, if William says that once more I shall go mad."

William came across to it curiously.

"Let's have a look at it," he said. "Oo—ow—ow! It's bit me!"