However, I caused them some trouble, and it couldn't have been very pleasant for her to be penned up over night in the hay without food; there's some comfort in that. Then I've got Posy's amber necklace all safe. She didn't think the 'great ugly rat' that frightened her so when she was playing in the barn knew enough to pick it up when it dropped off. Well, that's encouraging too; and then Hannah's thimble,—here it is, safe and sound, and here it will stay; and then, my dear Mrs. Barn-cat, here's your fine collar that you were so fond of. You were in such an excited state of mind when you lost it off that you didn't know it had gone. Here it is, and here it will remain too. I should like to see you venture in here again, my fine young cock-sparrow; you wouldn't get off quite so easily the next time, I can tell you. I shan't go out again without leaving somebody here on guard. Hallo! who's that?"
