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 Before long, the barn-cat, and the house-cat, and the little gray kitten, and Major, all knew of the theft of the red ribbon with the gold figures on it, and they grieved sadly over the disappointment. They all took Mrs. Polly's advice not to talk about it, and Graywhisker's name was not mentioned among them.

"How quiet the birds are to-day!" said Tom to Posy that afternoon; "I haven't heard the canary sing once to-day."

"That's so!" said Mrs. Polly dryly.

The children burst out laughing.

"Do you feel sick to-day, Mrs. Polly?" asked Posy.

Mrs. Polly gave a loud sneeze for answer.

"I guess you've got cold, ma'am," said Posy.

Just then Michael drove down the yard on his way to the depot to meet Mr. Winton; and when the carriage was opposite the