reply.

"I wish I could make him talk," said Hortense aloud.

Somebody snickered in the corner.

"Sounds like Lowboy," said Hortense.

Lowboy started to run for the door but collided with a chair.

"I've scratched myself," said Lowboy.

Hortense did not wait to console him. Instead, she ran to the newel
post.

"One, two, three for Lowboy!" she called. "Lowboy's _It_. All-y all-y
out's in free."

Malay Kris crawled out from behind the clock, and the others appeared
one by one.

"Lowboy's _It_," said Hortense.

Lowboy shut his eyes and began to count. Hortense seized Andy by the
hand and ran with him up the stairs.

"We'll hide in the attic," she whispered.

Up and up they ran, softly opened the door to the attic, and hid behind
a trunk in the corner.

"They'll never find us," said Andy.

They lay quiet and heard nothing for a long time.

"Perhaps they've given up," said Andy.

"Ssh!" Hortense whispered.

Something was running very fast up the stairs. It did not stop at the
top, but raced on to the ladder which reached to the cupola above.
Hortense peeped out. On the sill of the open window above stood
Jeremiah with arched back and swollen tail. His yellow eyes shone like
lamps.

"Of all things!" said Hortense.

Then the Cat disappeared, and they heard the soft thud of his feet
alighting on the roof.

"We must see what he's up to," said Hortense.

Followed by Andy, she ran to the ladder, scrambled to the top, and
peered out. The Cat was perched on top of the chimney, looking this way
and that.

Hortense ducked her head in order not to be seen.

"What do you suppose he's doing there?" she asked.

"Perhaps something is after him," said Andy.

From below came a slow scratching sound. Some heavy creature with claws
was coming up the attic stairs.

"Is it you, Alligator?" Hortense called.

"Where's that Cat?" said Alligator in a determined voice. "I must have
him."

"He's on the roof," said Hortense, climbing down. "But what do you want
him for?"

"For supper," said Alligator in his harsh voice. "He'll be furry, but
eat him I will."

He started up the ladder.

"I'm old and big for such work as this," said he, "but have him I will.
Push my tail a bit and give me a lift."

Hortense pushed and Andy, at the top, pulled. Out went Alligator,
Hortense and Andy holding his tail while he scrambled down the roof.

Jeremiah raised his voice.

"Help! Help!" he cried as Alligator slid slowl