Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/139

 "'Nonsense!' answered the old fellow; 'it will hold fast enough.'

"But the little mouse protested she was afraid, and then I heard her say, 'I don't like to steal Posy's ribbon, she thinks so much of it.'

"'Very well, ma'am,' said old Graywhisker; 'you just pack up and leave these premises before to-morrow night, or you'll be sorry.'

"'Oh, don't turn me out of doors!' said the poor little creature; 'my babies are so young they'll die if you do.'

"'So much the better!' snarled the old fellow."

"The old villain!" said the sparrow.

"Well, the end of the matter was that Mrs. Silverskin promised to do as he wished, provided he would not turn her out of doors; and you may be sure the ribbon's safe in old Graywhisker's hole, where it'll stay in all probability, for I don't know anybody bold enough to venture in after it."