The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1872-06-13
The Mouse and his friends.

and lighted up the brass andirons and bright
tins wonderfully, a streak Of pale moon
light lay across the floor, and a merry little
| cricket was singing on the hearth, while
the old clock beat time for him.
Tick, tick, tick, sing said the clock and
the cricket began. And he sang Of tho
beautiful summer time, and of the warm
glowing meadow.
A mouse pat his head out Of a hole.
Don't let me interrupt you said he.
Hullor said the cricket we are wait
ing for you. Come through the moonlight
for good luck
What good luck can there be for a three
legged mouse 2 said the new conner, as he
limped in and took a seat before the FIRE.
90, don't be unhappy, said the cricket.
TT will grow again
Never said the mouse.
Somebody will mend it, said the table.
4 have had two legs broken of short and
mended again
Tmpossibler said the mouse. 1 wish
old trap was
My dear fellow interrupted the trap,
don't be unreasonable. | have nothing
against you. 1t was only in the way of
my business.
is it your business to nip off my leg
said the mouse, in passion.
1T is my business to catch you if | can,
said the trap. That's what am here
for
4 wish you were not here, then, said
the mouse. 1T was very pleasant before
you came
1T was, indeed said the cricket you
used to come and see US every night, ana
dance and friSk about as lively as 4 cricket,
almost
My dancing days are over said the
poor mouse.
20 dear, no. Don't be down-hearted,
said the andirons. Here, blaze away, you
fire, and make it look cheerful
You'll find something to eat in crack
under the table, said the broom. Some
split peas and 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 right, said Il mouse, as
he went under the table and brought out
the feast.
Perfectly delicious said he, as he nib
bIed away. 1T is long time since l have
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 more.
Come said the cricket, now tell US
more about old times
where did ! leave OFF, asked the
mouse.
She don't like cats, replied the cricket,
90, yes. Polly didn't like cats, resumed
the mouse. 'She threw water at them, and
drove them away whenever they came
! near tue must. % We were SAFE from
them. She lost the trap. She said she
couldn't tell whatever had become of it,
and that her loss was our gain. When
! she went out Of an evening, she always left
the doors open, 50 we could come in from
the shed and 20 straight into the pantry
and help ourselves to cheese and pie and
everything good
Catch Jane leaving the door open +"
said the broom.
Ne, said the mouse. If you want to
! 90 in now, you must gnaw hole, and by
the time you get it gnawed they'll fill itup.
/ am expecting every day they'll stop up
the one I've made behind the door
Not if | can help It, sail the broom.
That's where l stand, you know, and l
try TO hide it.
4 should think So said the cricket
Thank YOU said the mouse. Il have
some friends She always left the bread
I box open little continued the mouse, 80
that We could go in easily and get out Of it.
We never nibbl,l whole loaf or whole
pie. Take what was cut. That was the
1 rule
4 wish had been there them said the
cricket.
'Ah, we'll sighed the mouse, 1t was not
all pleasant. Accidents happened. Once
cousin of mine fell into a deep pan of
( milk, and we couldn't get him out oft. l
IAN round the edge of the pan as many As
fifty times, and came near slipping in
myself, bat it did no good. We had to
leave him there, with his whiskers and the
/ tips his ears sticking up through the
cream. Twas sad
! 20, dear! fyou had only had one of
my straws, he could have clung to it, said
! the broom.
I Perhaps SO, replied the mouse, as lie
I opened bis eyes. Another time friend
Of mine fell into a pitcher, and couldn't
get out, and we never saw him again.
20 horrors : exclaimed the cricket.
And though Polly was so kind to us in
some ways continued the mouse, she
didn' really seem to Ike Us. I've known
her to scream and jump upon the table if
one of US ran out on the floor
and so have l. said the table, TO my
! sorrow.
Come, come said the clock as he struck
l.. 1t is time to 80 to sleep. I'm going
to take nap myself now, have come to
the small hours, SO good night
Good night then, I'll take homo this
rai>in for tomorrow
Do said the broom.
Good night, chirped the cricket. Come
again LjttIe .foIts