wn, that
the sight of us together attracted no notice beyond a few kind words;
but on emerging into the great world of the London road, we were obliged
to hold a consultation upon our proceedings. Though our object was the
same, our views of the best means of attaining it did not quite agree;
Pussy's idea being to avoid fighting, mine to be prepared for it.
Doubtless a combination of both principles was our true policy.

We reconnoitred our route. Fields on each side were divided from the
road by hedges, and there was a raised path between the hedge and the
road. We decided that I should run along the open path, looking out for
every danger, while Pussy, as much out of sight as possible, crept
along the field on the other side of the hedge. Though this arrangement
separated us, it was by far the safest; the thick green hedge hid the
cat from observation, and there were plenty of gaps through which we
could take an opportunity of peeping at each other, unmarked by any one
else. Moreover, the fields had attractions for Pussy besides mere
security; she could catch birds and field-mice, and thus secure a
comfortable meal at any moment.

In this manner we proceeded pleasantly for many miles; I trotting
steadily onwards, and Puss creeping behind the hedge at her usual
stealthy pace. When prudence permitted, we enlivened our journey by
various agreeable diversions. Sometimes on coming to a paling or a wall,
Puss jumped up with her usual activity, and ran along the top.
Occasionally we made a halt, while she climbed a pleasant tree, and I
reposed on the grass under its shade. Or she would rest on a sunny bank,
while I amused myself by watching any passing carriages and horses in
the road. Once or twice we left the beaten path in search of water, but
we were careful not to wander far out of our way.

In going through one village, we observed some trellis-work on the gable
end of a house, affording facilities of ascent quite irresistible to a
cat of spirit. Puss was on the perpendicular wall in an instant,
climbing hand over hand, or rather paw over paw, till she reached the
roof. There she revelled in her favourite exaltation, and enjoyed
herself thoroughly in darting over the slates, and making excursions up
and down the chimney stacks. As there were several houses adjoining, she
had the opportunity of a considerable promenade along the gutters, very
satisfactory till she came to the end of the row; but there,
unfortunately,