Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/153

 In a few minutes the gray kitten came out and seated herself near the tiger-kittens.

"I really believe," said Posy, "that the barn-cat sent the gray kitten out to take care of her babies while she was out hunting."

When the barn-cat entered the barn, she called the gray kitten to her and told her she would like to have her take charge of the kittens while she watched for a while at Graywhisker's hole, as she hadn't seen him leave the barn for a long time.

The gray kitten, delighted to be of service to her kind friend, hurried down to the yard, and the barn-cat took her station beside Graywhisker's hole. Meanwhile the sparrow had learned from Major where Graywhisker's hole was situated, and was already some distance in, when the barn-cat took her position outside.

"Dark as a pocket," said the sparrow to himself as he cautiously groped his way.