"And what did the gray kitten do then?" asked Mrs. Polly quickly.
"She ran after the little mouse and she didn't come back again, and that's all," said the little tiger-kitten.
"Very good indeed, my dear," answered Mrs. Polly, with an approving nod of her head. "You've told a very connected story, and we've found out that the gray kitten chased a mouse and has not been seen since."
The barn-cat was intensely gratified at her kitten's sagacity, but the only expression she gave to her satisfaction was to wash the little tiger-kitten's face affectionately. Then she said, after a few moments' silence,—
"Before we break up, I should like to mention that the collar that Posy gave me has disappeared. It was quite loose for me, and I may have lost it when I was off hunting. I don't like to accuse any-
