LE
6 THE HISTORY OF DAME MITCHELL

conscious that none but enemies stood there, he resigned
himself to his fate with the fortitude of an ancient Roman.
Several stones had already struck him, when Lady Green-
ford, touched with compassion for the poor dumb animal,
stepped out of her carriage, forced her way through the
crowd, and exclaimed: “ Whoever rescues the poor crea-
ture shall have a guinea!”

These words had a magical effect; for they converted
those, who a minute or two previously were the most cruel
tormentors of the poor beast, into so many deliverers: the
cat was now in danger of being smothered by them whilst
they contended for the honour of his preservation. At last,
a youthful Hercules, overturning his rivals, seized hold of
poor puss, and presented him half dead to the anxious
Countess.

 

** Well done!” said she: “here, my brave boy, take the
promised reward.”