d in that direction. She found the key in the door, but
every thing was silent. With some caution she opened it, remembering
Jupiter's last unexpected onset; when, looking round by the dim light, she
perceived him seated opposite Aunt Peggy's big chest, evidently watching
it. On hearing the door open, though, he got up and raised his back, on the
defensive.

Phillis, having an indefinable feeling that Bacchus was somehow or other
connected with the said elevation, looked carefully round the room, but saw
nothing. Gradually the chest lid opened a little way, and a sepulchral
voice, issuing from it, uttered in a low tone these words:

"Phillis, gal, is that you?"

The cat looked ready to spring, and the chest lid suddenly closed again.
But while Phillis was recovering herself the lid was cautiously opened, and
Bacchus's eyes glaring through the aperture. The words were repeated.

"Why, what on earth?" said the astonished woman: "Surely, is that you,
Bacchus?"

"It is, surely," said Bacchus; "but put that devil of a tiger out of de
room, if you don't want me to die dis minute."

Phillis's presence always had an imposing effect upon Jupiter; and as she
opened the door to the other room, and called him in, he followed her
without any hesitation.

She shut him in, and then hurried back to lift up the chest lid, to release
her better half.

"Why, how," said she, as Bacchus, in a most cramped condition endeavored to
raise himself, "did the lid fall on you?"

"No," groaned Bacchus. "Are you sure de middle door's shut. Let me git out
o' dis place quick as possible, for since ole Peggy left, de ole boy
hisself has taken up his abode here. 'Pears as if I never should git
straight agin."

"Why, look at your face, Bacchus," said his wife. "Did Jupiter scratch you
up that way."

"Didn't he though? Wait till I gits out of reach of his claws, and I'll
tell you about it;" and they both went out, Phillis locking the door to
keep Jupiter quiet, that night at least. After having washed the blood off
his face and hands, and surveyed himself with a dismal countenance in the
looking-glass, Bacchus proceeded to give an account of his adventure.

After dinner he thought he would secure Jupiter, and have him effectually
done for before Phillis came back. He mustered up all his courage, and
unlocking the house, determined to catch and tie him, then decide on a mode
of death that would be effectual. He had heard some officer from Mexi