Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr.

<h2><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</SPAN></span> <SPAN name="bird" id="bird"></SPAN>PUSS MEETS A HUNTER AND THEY BOTH LEARN THAT THE OWL IS A USEFUL BIRD</h2> <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/quote.png" width-obs="8" height-obs="7" alt="open quote" title="" /></div> <p class="cap">WELL, that was a clumsy tinker," said Puss to himself, as he guided his good gray horse into the highway. "But I suppose he is no rider, and therefore is safer upon his own two legs. At any rate, I cannot stop to inquire, nor would I be of any assistance. So I shall ride away, thankful at my good luck in having a steed for a mere wish. As wishes are horses, pussy-cats may ride," he said, with a laugh.</p> <p>The gray horse proved a good roadster and covered many a mile before midday. Presently, on coming to a crossway, Puss decided to take the road that led through the woods. He had hardly entered when he saw a funny little man dressed like a huntsman. In his right hand he carried a bow and on his back was a quiver full of arrows.</p> <p>A small dog ran along at his heels, snuffing about continually, as if expecting to find a rabbit<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</SPAN></span> or a squirrel. Before Puss had gone much farther, the funny little huntsman paused under a large tree, from a hole in which an old owl looked out, winking and blinking his eyes.</p> <div class="block24"> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">There was an owl lived in an oak,<br/></span> <span class="i2">Whiskey, Whaskey, Weedle;<br/></span> <span class="i0">And all the words he ever spoke<br/></span> <span class="i2">Were Fiddle, Faddle, Feedle.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">A sportsman chanced to come that way,<br/></span> <span class="i2">Whiskey, Whaskey, Weedle;<br/></span> <span class="i0">Said he, "I'll shoot you, silly bird!"<br/></span> <span class="i2">So Fiddle, Faddle, Feedle.<br/></span></div> </div></div> <p>"Bow-wow!" yelped the little dog, suddenly catching sight of the old owl.</p> <p>"There now, you've gone and done it!" cried the funny little hunter, as the owl quickly drew in his head. "You're a fine hunting-dog, you are!"</p> <p>The little dog hung his tail and walked away. In another moment, on catching sight of Puss on his big gray horse, he set up another wild barking.</p> <p>"What's the matter now?" inquired the little huntsman. "Oh, it's you, is it?" he exclaimed, suddenly seeing Puss.</p> <p>"Your little dog is a better watchman than a hunter," said Puss, with a grin; "that is, he's a good old scout."</p> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</SPAN></span>"Well, I'm glad to find out he's good for something," said the little hunter, "for he made me just now lose a good shot at an old owl that has been hooting and tooting around my house for many nights. I would have liked to put an arrow through his old head."</p> <p>"You would, eh?" screamed the owl, suddenly poking his head through the hole. "Let me tell you, my good sir, that I have caught more rats and mice in your old barn than your cat has. Is this the way that you repay a useful friend like me?"</p> <p>The little hunter dropped his bow. "I never thought of that," he said, apologetically.</p> <p>"Well, next time think before you shoot," cried the owl; "it may save you many a miss!"</p> <hr /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />