than my thumb;
I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum.
I bought a little horse that galloped up and down;
I saddled him and bridled him and sent him out of town.
I gave him some garters to garter up his hose,
And a little pocket handkerchief to wipe his pretty nose."

"I wish she had given me the little horse," said Puss, with a sigh, "for
I certainly miss my good gray steed."

Just then the woman looked up and, seeing Puss at the window, called
out, "Come in, little Sir Cat."

Puss, Junior, jumped nimbly through the open window and stood beside
her.

"What do you think of my little husband?"

"He certainly is no bigger than your thumb, madam."

"He is a good little man, all the same," she replied, "and when he's
astride of his little horse he makes a fine appearance. Wait, and I will
show you how well he can ride."

All of a sudden Puss heard the pawing of hoofs, and there stood the
prettiest little horse he had ever seen. It was no larger than a play
toy, but well built. A long, silky mane fell over his neck, and a curly
tail almost reached to the ground. Then, quick as a wink, the little
husband jumped out of the pint pot and vaulted nimbly into the saddle.

"Gid-ap," he cried, and away went the little horse down the road.

"Good-by, madam," cried Puss, running after the tiny horseman. But it
was impossible to catch up with him, and pretty soon he disappeared in a
cloud of dust. "Well, well," cried Puss to himself, "I had no idea that
such a tiny steed could run so fast. Will wonders never cease until I
have found my dear father, Puss in Boots?"

Then, taking out his pocket handkerchief, he wiped his forehead. "I
shall not despair, however," he said, bravely, "for I have a good pair
of legs, and all journeys come to an end at last, so I shall keep
merrily on my way."

TELL-TALE-TIT

TELL-TALE-TIT!
Your tongue shall be slit,
And all the dogs in the town
Shall have a little bit.

Oh, dear me! This is what was going to happen to the little girl who had
told on her brothers. And all the little dogs were standing around,
wagging their tails, as Puss, Junior, passed by.

It was a wonder that the dogs didn't rush out and bark at him, but they
were so anxious to get a piece of the little girl's tongue that they
didn't notice him at all. Perhaps a cat with boots and spurs, a hat and
plume, and a trusty sword didn't look like an