50 THE CAT AND. THE PRISONER,

THE CAT AND THE PRISONER.

WHILE speaking of the affection of cats, I must not forget to
mention a notable example of it shown by the favourite cat
of a young nobleman in the days of Queen Elizabeth.

For some offence he had been shut up in prison, and had
long pined in solitude, when he was startled by hearing a
slight noise in the chimney. On looking up, great was his
surprise and delight to see his favourite cat bound over the
hearth towards him, purring joyfully at the meeting. She
had probably been shut up for some time before she had made
her escape; and then she must have sought her master, crossing
miles of steep and slippery roofs, along dangerous walls, and
through forests of chimney-stacks, urged on by the strength
of her love, and guided by a secret instinct, till she discovered
the chimney which led into his cell.

Certainly it was not by chance she made the discovery,
nor was it exactly reason that led her to the spot. By what-
ever means she found it, we must regard the loving little
creature as the very “ Blondel* of cats.”

Never spare trouble to serve a friend, or to please those
you are bound to please. Remember the prisoner’s cat.

 

THE CAT THAT DIED OF GRIEF.
A LADY in France had a cat which showed oreat affection for
her. She went with her everywhere, and when the lady sat

* Blondel.—The minstrel who is said to have found out where Richard the
Lion Heart was imprisoned.