Page:Raggedy Ann Stories.pdf/72

 there was a lot of howling and yelping and Fido came bounding through the hole with Mamma Cat behind him. When Mamma Cat caught up with Fido he would yelp.

When Fido and Mamma Cat had circled the barn two or three times Fido managed to find the hole and escape to the yard; then Mamma Cat came over to the basket and saw all the dolls.

“I’m s’prised at you, Mamma Cat!” said Raggedy Ann, “Fido has been watching your kittens for an hour while you were away. He wouldn’t hurt them for anything!”

“I’m sorry, then,” said Mamma Cat.

“You must trust Fido, Mamma Cat!” said Raggedy Ann, “because he loves you and anyone who loves you can be trusted!”

“That’s so!” replied Mamma Cat. “Cats love mice, too, and I wish the mice trusted us more!”

The dolls all laughed at this joke.

“Have you told the folks up at the house about your dear little kittens?” Raggedy Ann asked.

“Oh, my, no!” exclaimed Mamma Cat. “At the last place I lived the people found out about my kittens and do you know, all the kittens disappeared! I intend keeping this a secret!”

“But all the folks at this house are very kindly people and would dearly love your kittens!” cried all the dolls.

“Let’s take them right up to the nursery!” said Raggedy Ann, “And Mistress can find them there in the morning!”

“How lovely!” said all the dolls in chorus. “Do, Mamma Cat! Raggedy Ann knows, for she is stuffed with nice clean white cotton and is very wise!”

So after a great deal of persuasion, Mamma Cat finally consented. Raggedy Ann took two of the kittens and carried them to the house while Mamma Cat carried the other.

Raggedy Ann wanted to give the kittens her bed, but Fido, who was anxious to prove his affection, insisted that Mamma Cat and the kittens should have his nice soft basket.