Then came the barn-cat stealing softly towards the little sparrow. She would take a few steps, and then sit down and pretend she didn't see him. He evidently didn't see her, for instead of flying away he hopped about as confidently as if there were no such thing as a cat in the world.
The barn-cat came nearer still, and crouched in the way she always did before she sprang, and Posy couldn't bear it any longer.
"Go away, you naughty kitty!" cried Posy, dropping her work; and running towards the barn-cat she caught her up in her arms.
"You mustn't catch the dear little birdies; I've told you so a great many times," said Posy, walking towards the barn with her. "You go and stay with your babies, and try to catch some of the ugly old rats. Michael says they eat up Major's oats, and he's going to buy a trap and catch 'em in
