Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/129

 "Not a bit of it," answered Mrs. Polly decidedly.

"Who did, then?"

"Not Graywhisker, you may depend on that; he has too old a head. He laid his plans and superintended the affair, but you wouldn't catch him trusting his precious old neck on that delicate vine. Besides, in case the thief were caught he would want to keep his own neck safe. No, indeed," continued Mrs. Polly, shaking her head sagely; "not he, indeed!"

"Who did go up the vine, then?" asked the sparrow, very much impressed by Mrs. Polly's wisdom.

"That I'm not prepared to say," answered Mrs. Polly, with a shrug of her shoulders; "perhaps he sent one of the young rats, but I rather incline to the opinion that it was a mouse; even a young rat would be too heavy, and then young rats are stupid. Yes, I'm pretty sure 'twas a mouse."