Suddenly a burst of chirping and whistling streams out from an open window: a bright yellow canary hops joyfully in its wire-bound cage.
Not a single “human” to be seen or heard! Red leaves the dragon-fly to work out its own salvation and wriggles like a worm towards the unsuspecting bird.
But how can she capture it?
Ah, that is her specialty! Out in the wilds she fails time after time; she is not quick enough, not bold enough, not sure enough! She does not understand how to work; but she is a genius at thieving!
The fear of detection stimulates her special powers and characteristics to an incredible degree. During these brief periods she becomes far more cunning and far more ferocious than any of the other kittens.
If only the bird could fly up and away—she would be foiled at once! Or if it could only keep calm and remain sitting in the middle of its perch in its safe, wire-bound cage—all her efforts would be useless.
But the terrified canary begins to flutter about wildly—and Red’s tactics make her still more confused.
The cat keeps jumping from one side to the other; and then up on the top of the cage and down again....
The more maddened and confused the poor bird becomes, the calmer and more composed is the cat. With cold-blooded precision she waits until her victim comes within reach, then thrusts her strong paw against the cage. The thin wires separate, and through the aperture her scythe-like claws impale the canary and haul it towards her. One mouthful and it is gone!
Now for flight....