co
describe the use of the lasso, and it occurred to him to entrap Jupiter in
this scientific manner. But Jupiter was an old bird; he was not to be
caught with chaff. Bacchus's lasso failed altogether, and very soon the cat
became so enraged that Bacchus was obliged to take a three-legged stool,
and act on the defensive. He held the stool before his face, and when
Jupiter made a spring at him, he dodged against him with it. Two or three
blows excited Jupiter's anger to frenzy, and after several efforts he
succeeded in clawing Bacchus's face in the most dreadful manner, so that it
was with the greatest difficulty he could clear himself. Desperate with
pain and fright, he looked for some way of escape. The door was shut, and
Jupiter, who seemed to be preparing for another attack, was between him and
it. He had but one resource, and that was to spring into Aunt Peggy's great
chest, and close the lid to protect himself from another assault.

Occasionally, when nearly suffocated, he would raise the lid to breathe,
but Jupiter immediately flew at him in such a furious manner, that he saw
it would be at the risk of his life to attempt to escape, and he was
obliged to bide his time. What his meditations were upon while in the
chest, would be hard to decide; but when once more protected by the shadow
of his own roof, he vowed Jupiter should die, and be cut in pieces before
he was done with him.

Phillis went to Miss Janet, and gave her an account of the whole affair,
with Bacchus's permission, and the kind old lady came to him with some
healing ointment of her own manufacture, and anointed his wounds.

William was sent for; and the result of the discussion was, that he and his
father should, early next morning, shoot the much dreaded cat effectually.

This resolution was carried into effect in the following manner. Phillis
went a little in advance with a large bowl of bread and milk, and enticed
Jupiter to the hearth. As he was very hungry, he did not perceive William
entering with a very long gun in his hand, nor even Bacchus, his ancient
enemy, with a piece of sticking-plaster down his nose and across his
forehead.

William was quite a sportsman. He went through all the necessary
formalities. Bacchus gave the word of command in a low voice: Make ready,
take aim, fire--bang, and William discharged a shower of shot into
Jupiter's back and sides. He gave one spring, and all was over, Bacchus
looking on with intense delight.