Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/230

 heard voices, and I can tell you my ears were wide open. I soon discovered that the speakers were Mrs. Silverskin and a friend of hers. Mrs. Silverskin said, 'I am all of a tremble, for I've just had an interview with Graywhisker, and he insists on my taking Hannah's silver thimble and puting it among Nancy's things, to make them think she stole it.'

"'Well, what is there to tremble about?' said the other mouse; "I don't see anything alarming in that.'

"'Just think of the danger I run in passing the house-cat,' said Mrs. Silverskin; 'she very nearly caught me the other day when I stole the thimble.'

"'She isn't half so bad as the barn-cat,' said the other mouse.

"'I know she isn't quite so quick, but she's too quick to suit me.'

"'I wouldn't go, then; tell Graywhisker to go himself.'