Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-10-05
BY ANNIE MOORE.


But the old kitchen was warm. A
fire blazed on the hearth and lighted
M the brass andirons and bright tins,
wonderfully, streak of pale moonlight
Law across the floor, and merry little
cricket was singing on the hearth while
the old clock beat time for time.
Tick, tick, tick, sing," said the
clock, and the cricket began. He sang
of the summer time and the warm
glowing meadow.
A mouse put his head ont of a hole
"Don't let ne interrupt YOU" said he.
"Hallol" said the cricket. We
are waiting for you. Come through
the moonlight for good luck"
"What good luck can there be for
three legged mouse 2" said the new
conner, as he limped in and took seat
before the fire.
80 don't beunhappy, said the Crick-
ct. cit will grow again"
"Never :" said the Mouse.
Somebody will mend it," said the
Table. O. have had two legs broken
of short and mended again.
Impossible, said the Mouse. 81
wish that old Trap was"
My dear fellow" interrupted the
Trap, "don't be unreasonable I've
nothing against you 1t was only in
the way OF my business
Is it your business to nip off my
leg r. said the Mouse in passion.
:" 1t is my bush ess to catch you if /
can, said the Trap. That's what |
am here for.
Il wish Won were not mere, then
said the Mouse. 80 1t was very pleas
ant before you came
cit was indeed" said the Cricket
You used to come and see us every
night, and dance and frisk about as
lively as cricket almost"
My dancing days are over" said
the poor Mouse.
80 dear no! Don't be down heart
ed said the Andlrons. "Here, blaze
away you Fire, and make it look
cheerful
You'll find something to eat in the
crack under the table" said the Broom.
Some split peas and a raisin. Cook
tried to make me sweep them away, but
wouldn't"
An old Broom knows where the
crumbs are, said the Cricket.
you are very kind, said the Mouse,
as he went under the table and brought
ont the feast
"Perlectly delicious, " SAID he, as he
nibbled away. " It is long time since
I've tasted a split pea"
Have some cheese?" said the
Trap.
For shame" cried the broom.
" Another word and I'll sweep you
away" SO the Trap said no more.
Come, said the Cricket, "nowtell
rs more about the old times"
Where did leave OFF," asked the
Mouse
She didn't like CATS" replied the
Cricket.
30 yes. Polly didn't like cats, re-
sumed the Mouse. She threw water
at them and drove them away whenever
they came near the house. So we were
safe from them. She lost the trap
She said she couldn't tell what ever had
become Of it, and that was our gain.
When she went out OF an evening she
always left the doors open so we could
come ID from the shed and go straight
INTO the pantry and help ourselves to
cheese and pies and everything good.
Cach Janeleayiug thedoors open, "
SAID the Broom.
No" sqil the Mouse. "If you
want rs 20 in now. You must gnaw q
hole, and 10y the time YOU get 1t gnawed
l-ey I'LL IL UP. / am expecting every
a.E aey.L stop mp the one have made
behind the door"
"NotiiIcmLalpit," said the Broom.
HATS whore / stand, you know, and
try to hide 1t.
Thanh, vor. raplisl the Mouse,
.tre SOM. friends.
] should think So, =" said the Crick-
"Sae alwavs left the bread-box open
little, continued the Mouse. $50
We could easily go Inland ont of it.
"r never nibhlol whole loaf ora
"-a.e pie. Take what was cut. That
the rule.
wish had been here then, said
'-e Cricket
Al. we'll sighed the Mouse. lit
lot all pleasant Accidents hap
-..aa Once q cousin OF mine fell into
t.ea pan oI milk, and with all we
a.aao we eyGllu't get him ont.
en- round the edge OF that pan as many
a.t times, and came near slipping
Z. bin it did no good. We had
sc him there. with his whiskers
-A .aa tips Ell his ears sticking up
gh tie cream. Twas sad.
9a dear Ii you had only had one