I do hope I shan't meet any one I
know--very awkward, it's being so light.'
"In the distance it sees a policeman, and stops suddenly within the
shelter of a shadow. 'Now what's he doing there,' it says, 'and close to
our door too? I can't go in while he's hanging about. He's sure to see
and recognise me; and he's just the sort of man to talk to the servants.'
"It hides itself behind a post and waits, peeping cautiously round the
corner from time to time. The policeman, however, seems to have taken up
his residence at that particular spot, and the cat becomes worried and
excited.
"'What's the matter with the fool?' it mutters indignantly; 'is he dead?
Why don't he move on, he's always telling other people to. Stupid ass.'
"Just then a far-off cry of 'milk' is heard, and the cat starts up in an
agony of alarm. 'Great Scott, hark at that! Why, everybody will be down
before I get in. Well, I can't help it. I must chance it.'
"He glances round at himself, and hesitates. 'I wouldn't mind if I
didn't look so dirty and untidy,' he muses; 'people are so prone to think
evil in this world.'
"'Ah, well,' he adds, giving himself a shake, 'there's nothing else for
it, I must put my trust in Providence, it's pulled me through before:
here goes.'
"He assumes an aspect of chastened sorrow, and trots along with a demure
and saddened step.
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