20 THE HISTORY OF DAME MITCHELL

rheumatics worry him to death, and he wishes particularly
to see you for a moment. You always have a soothing
word to say to the distressed, and capital receipts to cure
them: so go and pay our poor friend a visit, for I am sure
the sight of you will relieve him.”

Thereupon Dame Mitchell arose and went down to the
porter, who was really labouring under a violent attack of
rheumatism.

“ Now we'll settle the business,” cried Daddy Sharp-

hiz.

: So he went on tiptoe into the anteroom, like a stealthy
wolf, and took up a covered basket which he had hidden
there in a cupboard. Then he came back to the place
where Mowmouth lay sleeping, and seized him abruptly by
the nape of his neck: the poor creature suddenly awoke,
and saw himself suspended in the air, face to face with
Daddy Sharpphiz, his mortal enemy. In this frightful
situation he attempted to cry out, to struggle, to call for
help; but no time was allowed him. The cruel butler
plunged the poor cat into the basket, shut the lid upon