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depend upon these promises yet as he had
often observed the cunning tricks Puss used
to catch rats and mice, such as hanging by
the hindlegs, and hiding in the meal to
make them believe that he was dead, he did
not entirely despair of his being of some
use to him in his unhappy condition.
When the cat had obtained what he asked
for, he gaily began to equip himself; he
drew on the boots---and putting the bag
about his neck, he took hold of strings with
his forepaws, and, bidding his master take
courage; immediately sallied forth.
The first attempt Puss made was to go
into a warren, in which there was a great
number of rabbits. He put some bran and
some parsley into his bag; and then,
stretching himself out at full length as if
he was dead, he waited for some young
rabbits, (which as yet knew nothing of the
cunning tricks of the world) to come and
get into the bag, the better to feast upon
the dainties he had put into it.
Scarcely had he lain down before he suc-
ceeded as well as could be wished. A giddy
young rabbit crept into the bag, and the cat
immediately drew the strings, and killed
him without mercy.
Puss, proud of his prey, hastened directly
to the palace, where he asked to speak to
the king. On being shown into the apartment
