Page:Rilla of Ingleside (1921).djvu/120

 where the great fleet was carrying Canada’s first army across the ocean. Even Cousin Sophia looked less melancholy than usual and admitted that there was not much fault to be found in the day, although there was no doubt it was a weather-breeder and there would be an awful storm on its heels.

“ Things is too calm to last,” she said.

As if in confirmation of her assertion, a most unearthly din suddenly arose behind them. It was quite impossible to describe the confused medley of bangs and rattles and muffled shrieks and yowls that proceeded from the kitchen, accompanied by occasional crashes. Susan and Cousin Sophia stared at each other in dismay.

“What upon airth has bruk loose in there? ” gasped Cousin Sophia.

“It must be that Hyde-cat gone clean mad at last,” muttered Susan. “I have always expected it.”

Rilla came flying out of the side door of the living room.

“What has happened?” she demanded.

“It is beyond me to say, but that possessed beast of yours is evidently at the bottom of it,” said Susan. “Do not go near him, at least. I will open the door and peep in. There goes some more of the crockery. I have always said that the devil was in him and that I will tie to.”

“It is my opinion that the cat has hydrophobia,” said Cousin Sophia solemnly. “I once heard of a cat that went mad and bit three people—and they all died a most terrible death, and turned as black as ink.”

Undismayed by this, Susan opened the door and looked in. The floor was littered with fragments of