Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/188

 Major can't be present you will have to take his affidavit. That is," explained Mrs. Polly, seeing a puzzled look on the barn-cat's face, "he must tell you what he knows about the matter, and you can report it to me."

"That's very easy," answered the barn-cat. "Finding the sparrow won't be quite so easy. He's never around when he's wanted."

"Yes, he is, my darling," answered a voice from the flowering currant; "he can't tear himself away from you long;" and there sat the sparrow, swinging on a slender branch, and looking as impudent and careless as ever.

"Well, you are here when you're wanted for once in your life," said the barn-cat. "See if you can keep still in one place till we're ready for the meeting;" and off went the barn-cat on her errand.

In a short time the house-cat appeared