"'What is it?' said a woman's voice, evidently his wife's.
"'Nothing but a cat,' growled Avarie. 'But I think I will let drive at her just because she disturbed my sleep.'
"I stopped my mewing on the instant.
"'Don't,' pleaded the woman, 'the gun may kick.'
"'Bah, do you think I can't handle a gun?' And I heard a click.
"'Good-by to thee, old Avarie,' I said under my breath.
"'Don't be a fool, husband, and awake the whole neighborhood just for a cat!' exclaimed his wife.
"Almost at my window another window was thrown open and the little soubrette's head appeared. She is very fond of cats.
"'Here puss, puss, puss,' she cried.
"'Is that your cat, citizeness?' asked old Avarie.