the cat - World eBook Library

THE CAT=
Peace and War
The strong enmity which exists between my
otherwise gentle and amiable cats is not unknown
to you. When you left us, the result of many a
fierce conflict was that Hurley remained master
of the green and garden, Rumpel always retiring,
upon the appearance of his victorious enemy, into
the house, as to a citadel or sanctuary. The con-
queror was perhaps indebted for this superiority
to his hardier habits, living always in the open
air, and providing for himself; while Rumpel (who,
though born under a bailiff's roof, was, neverthe-
less, kittened with a silver spoon in his mouth)
passes his hours in luxurious repose beside the
fire, and looks for his meals as punctually as any
two-legged member of the family.
Some weeks ago Hurlyburlybuss was manifestly
emaciated and enfeebled by ill-health, and Rumpel-
stilzchen with great magnanimity made overtures
of peace. The whole progress of the treaty was
seen from the parlour window;—the caution with
which Rumpel made his advances, the sullen
dignity with which they were received, their mutual
uneasiness when Rumpel, after a slow and wary
approach, seated himself whisker-to-whisker by his
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