Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/241

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BABY LEOPARDS
195

delicious things to eat. It was no wonder his cheeks grew round and his sides puffed out. Then the tabby cat became friendly with him. At first she had been inclined to be a bit jealous, but the pitiful condition of the poor little beastie softened her heart and she decided to be friendly with him. Anyway, Tab was a good sport, and divided her milk with him. He took advantage of her good nature and drank it all. A sound cuff from Tabby's good right paw awoke him to the realisation that she refused to be imposed upon by him or any other four-legged creature. So Dick became careful about displaying his faults, became better mannered, and developed a wholesome respect for Tabby. One fine day he was pronounced cured and taken back to the menagerie. He had improved so much in his personal appearance the animals scarcely recognised him. Dick could hardly believe his senses when he saw three baby lions in the adjoining cage. They certainly were interesting to look at in their spotted coats, almost like Dick's own. They were not half his age, but were larger than he and fat as butter balls. The little lions were friendly and