64 THE WISE HARE AND HER PURSUERS.

‘evident joy, to Lord gs bedroom door, where her knock

 

was quickly answered, and an explanation given.

The household was soon aroused; bells were rung, lights
flitted about, servants hurried here and there; and _per-
sons watching from the windows distinctly saw several men
making off with all speed, and climbing over a wall
close by.

It was without doubt owing to the wisdom of the cat
that the house was saved from midnight robbery, and the
inmates probably from some fearful outrage. She must
have reasoned that the men trying to enter had no busi-
ness there; whilst her reason and love led her to warn her
best friend of the danger. She may have feared, also, that
any one else in the house would have driven her heed-
lessly away. |

Let us, then, learn always to treat dumb animals with
kindness and thoughtfulness, since they are so often given
to us as friends for our good. Like the cat, you may by
being watchful be of great service to others more powerful
than yourself. For the same reason, never despise the good-
will or warnings of even the most humble.

 

THE WISE HARE AND HER PURSUERS.

I wit now tell you a story of a very different animal—the
timid little hare—which has to depend for safety on its
speed and cunning.

A poor little hare was one day closely pursued by a brace
of greyhounds, when, seeing a gate near, she ran for it. The