Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/71

 himself; "you can't trust these rats out of your sight."

So Major made believe asleep, and even gave a snore occasionally to mislead the rats; and he did completely mystify them.

Soon the two young rats returned, scampering headlong down from the mow, and followed more leisurely by Mrs. Silverskin, who had a very timid, gentle air, and who looked very small and refined by the side of the great clumsy rats with their bold countenances.

"Now sit still and listen with all your ears," began old Graywhisker, "for I've something of importance to say, and our time is short, as that arch fiend, the barn-cat, may return at any moment. To cut a long matter short, the barn-cat has introduced another cat here. To be sure, she's half blind, and a half-grown kitten, but still she's to be dreaded. Then there's been a sparrow loafing around here lately, and