The Coconino sun., 1901-01-26
tory condition.

GrlmStOn, ana thls became more evl- dent as the kittens grew older. The twining pea vines were never-erdipg source of delight to the kittens. Some times they amused themselves by climbing 10 the top of the supports: at others they preferred to stand eff few paces and with a sudden run and jump throw themselves against the vines, which they bore triun rhantly to the ground. Mir. Grims ton tried to keep these pests shut up in the cellar. but stupid Bridget invariably managed to let them escape from their prison, when they returned to their old tricks with more enthusiasm than before.
 "Yell niver raise a garden wid thim cats around!" said Bridget, who was tired of being reproached for her care lessneSs.
 T agree with you. Bridget" he re- turned, "and l will get rid of Mary FL len if you will dispose of the kittens. Is it bargain?"
 Sure. an think can manage it, she replied.
 Early the next morning, Mir. Grim ston started out on his wheel with Mary Ellen under his arm. She did not seem to appreciate this form of locomotion, and when about mile from home escaped from him and fled, flash of white across the green of vacant lot. He had intended to take her much farther. but felt sure she would not find her way back again.
 At twilight he saw Bridget go out of the back gate with an old peach basket covered with newspapers on her arm. From the interior of the basket came feeble, but continuous protests and wailA He asked no questions, nor did Bridget upon her return vouchsafe any information.
 The following morning a small boy informed Mir. Grimston that the old Iady who lived in the house with the extensive grounds in the next block wished to see him. She was the rich est woman in the neighborhood and was said to be eccentric and more or less of terror to her acquaintances. Greatly surprised at her wish to see him, and trying to surmise what her object could be, Mir. Grimston called there on his way to the train. The maid who opened the door left him standing in the wide hall, after sourly informing him that her mistress would be down in moment.
 The mistress soon appeared; she was tall and large in proportion. Her mouth was so set with anger as to ap- pear almost square, and her eyes had so narrowed themselves as to be near ly closed. She seemed to fill the hall with an atmosphere of wrath.
 '1 would have you know, sir" she said, in a low. intense voice, that my place is not a pound"
 Certainly not, madam" agreed the puzzled MT. Grimston.
 Then what do you mean by leav- ing your wretched cats here?"
 He understood her now. Bridget had let the kittens escape, and they had entered this woman's grounds.
 "Oh," he said, smiling feebly, "I am very sorry, indeed. I-I missed my kittens. but had no ldea where they had gone. Am very sorry they came here, but there is no telling where cats will wander, you know"
 Wander! You don't mean to say that three kittnes will wander away in basket of their own accord, do you? My youngest boy saw your maid leave those cats on my back porch last night. Determined to find who she was he traced her to your house."
 "I sincerely regret this," he said. in great distress. Our maid is just over from the old country. She does not seem to understand half that we say