That was a surprise; nay, more, an event unparalleled in the black cynic’s whole experience! His back rises and his hair stands on end with fury; but it does not bring back the young rat from the air.
Nevertheless, in spite of all, he felt very proud of himself. Big-cat could catch birds and Grey could catch mice; but he could catch rats....
His short, strong jaws could inflict a terrible bite—and his teeth gradually became his most formidable weapon. It seemed almost as if there were weasel’s blood in him, so quickly did he fix in his teeth; and he employed just the animal’s tactics: spring and bite—and then back out of reach again.
As soon as he found that rats had teeth, he began to use this method of attack regularly.
Grey Puss often sat looking doubtfully at him.... No, she was sure he was not quite cat-normal in the head!
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE KITTENS GO OUT HUNTING
Grey Puss had not been home for two whole days and nights.
And the unaided efforts of the kittens to secure food had not resulted in anything more satisfying than the usual maybugs and dragon-flies, with some extra big grasshoppers.