n beside the fluffiest, darlingest
little kitten that ever was!

He made a grab at it with his little fat hands. Whether this frightened
its anxious mother or whether Down really had a purpose in view, who can
say? Only this is sure: she was off the bed in a second, Miss Kitten in
her mouth. A minute afterward Baby Akbar was off it also with a little
crow of delight. But the drugged nurses did not stir; they were away in
the Land of Dreams. And hark! what was that curious noise outside the
window, as if something was slipping down the wall? Perhaps it was
_that_ that frightened Down once more; for just as Baby Akbar's hand
reached out to lay hold of the kitten, which she had set down by the
fire, Down snatched it up again and was off with it back to the
charcoal bunker, with Baby Akbar after her, his face full of solemn
resolve. He meant to play with that kitty.

And play with her he did. At least, after he disappeared down the
archway by the fireplace he did not come out again. Only Down reappeared
and seated herself at the entrance, her ears cocked, her eyes fixed on
the window.

For something very funny had happened there, which, though the flicker
of the fire had died down, she could see with her cat's eyes.

A lad had slipped in, carrying the end of a rope, to which was attached
a network bag. And now, since it was dark, he was striking a light. A
feeble little glimmer, but sufficient to show the two sleeping nurses
and the comfy little nest of quilts between them. But it was empty!

The boy seemed puzzled, and went into the inner room, only to return
without what he sought. Then he stole into the outer room, but came back
softly with a puzzled look on his face. Then he began to peer about him
on the floor, and in the corners, holding the feeble light in front of
him. Whereupon Down, apparently to satisfy herself that her kitten
really was safe in the corner of the charcoal bunker where she had left
it, retreated for a moment, so that as the searcher came round he saw
nothing but the low, round arch. The next he gave a stifled yell, for
something white that was all claws leaped right in his face, over he
went and out went his light.

"I look no more," he said, shivering as, after five minutes' hasty
retreat, he stood on the roof among those who had sent him down. "Let
some one else go; but I tell you the child is not there."

But one of the crafty, cruel men had sharp wits. "Could he have crept
into the cha