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Puss in Boots, Jr., and the Good Gray Horse

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<hr style="width: 65%;" />[98] <h2>DOCTOR DRAKE</h2> <div class='poem'><div class='cap'> DOCTOR DRAKE kept a shop, Of dimensions not large, In a hole in the haystack By the side of the yard, Where he dispensed certain small stones And one or two gravels, With sundry rare herbs He had found in his travels. </div> </div> "I hope the good doctor's at home," said Puss, as he reined in his Good Gray Horse. "I don't feel at all well to-day." So he dismounted and knocked on the front door, and pretty soon the famous duck doctor appeared. He wore a big pair of spectacles and a very high collar, around which was tied a green cravat which matched the feathers of his tail. "Quack, quack!" said Doctor Drake. "What do you want?" "I don't know, Doctor," answered Puss, Junior. "I feel far from well; in fact, I think I'm going to be very ill." "Don't worry," replied Doctor Drake; "that's what we doctors are looking for—sick people. I can cure you, never fear." "Thank you," said Puss, Junior.[99] <div class="figright"> <ANTIMG src="images/gs23.png" width-obs="373" height-obs="475" alt="Dr. Drake checking Puss" title="" /></div> "Don't thank me yet," answered Doctor Drake; "wait till you're cured—then pay me." "That will I gladly do," replied Puss, Junior; "only make me feel like myself again."[100] "I think," said Doctor Drake, after looking at Puss, Junior's, tongue, "you had better give up horseback riding; it's bad for you." "Oh, dear!" sighed poor Puss, Junior. "What shall I do with my Good Gray Horse?" "Sell him to me," replied Doctor Drake. "I'm in need of a horse. My practice is growing so large I find it difficult to make my calls." "Yes, I suppose you do," said Puss. "Your feet are not for walking, but for swimming." "Right you are," assented the doctor. "Of course, some of my patients live in the pond; but, then, again, a lot of them don't. Take these pills." And the famous duck doctor handed Puss, Junior, a little round box. "One every hour; they'll soon fix you up, all right. Now, how much do you want for your horse?" Puss, Junior, scratched his head. "What will you give?" he asked, tearfully. "Twenty-five pounds," replied the doctor. "Very well," said Puss. "The horse is yours. Give me my money and I will journey along on foot, though it goes hard with me to part with my faithful steed." Then, tucking the box of pills in his pocket, Puss proceeded on his journey. <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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