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 eyes, he had evidently heard the whole conversation.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting," he said good-naturedly, "but was detained on very important business. Hope I see you as well as usual, ma'am, and that you haven't missed me too much," he said to the barn-cat with a sly wink.

The barn-cat thought it more dignified not to answer this familiar speech, and looked straight before her.

"Well," said Mrs. Polly," let's make the most of our time now that we are all together."

"First of all," said the barn-cat, "I want to tell you that yesterday we were watched. Old Graywhisker had set a spy to listen to our conversation, and he reported every word that was said. However, I'd like to see him prevent us from carrying out our plans. I'll just give a look under the piazza before we begin; that's where he was