THE CAT AND THE PIGEON. 53

ever, as they were in the bedroom of their mistress, what
was her alarm to see the trusty cat, as she had supposed her,
after uttering a growl, seize the canary in her mouth, and
leap with her into the bed. There she stood, her tail stiff-
ened out, her hair bristling, and her eyes glaring fiercely.
The fate of the poor canary seemed to be sealed; but just
then the lady caught sight of a strange cat creeping stealth-
ily through the open doorway. The intruder was quickly
driven away, when faithful Puss placed her feathered friend
on the bed, in no way injured. She had thus seized it only
to save it from the fangs of the stranger.

Trust begets trust; but be very sure that the person
on whom you bestow yours is worthy of it. If not, you
will not be so fortunate as the canary was with its friend

the cat.

Your truest friends, in most cases, are your own parents.

 

THE CAT AND THE PIGEON.

SIMILAR affection for one of the feathered race was shown by
a cat which was rearing several kittens.

In another part of the same loft a pigeon had built her
nest; but her eggs and young having been so often destroyed
by rats, it seemed to occur to her that she would be in safer
quarters near the cat. Pussy, pleased with the trust placed
in her, invited the pigeon to remain near her, and a strong
friendship grew up between the two. They fed out of the
same dish; and when Pussy was absent, the pigeon, in re-
turn for the protection afforded her against the rats, made