New Britain herald., 1927-02-16

Farmer Brown and Farmer Browns Boy were late in getting hack from the village. When the, did get back, Of course they hat 10 put the horse up, so that wher they entered the house supper wa. ready and waiting for them. Farm. er Browns Boy noticed a twinkle ir lis mothers eyes as she moved about, but he could see nothing te cause it and finally concluded that he must have been mistaken. She inquired about their trip to the viii Hage, and as she talked every once in a while she would smile.
 T wonder what Mother is think ing about" said Farmer Brown g Boy to himself Something must have happened today while we were gone. suppose if we wait long enough she'll tell us."
 But Mother Brown didn't tell. and finally the matter was forgotten. It was after supper was over and Farmer Browns Boy had pushed his chair back that he glanced toward the kitchen stove. He saw something white underneath the stove. His first thought was that 1t was a bit of paper Then he saw that it was fur and that there was also some black fur with 1t.
 That's queer" thought Farmer Browns Boy. T wonder If Mother has been taking in q stray cat. We haven't any cat with any white on it. It must be that Mother has talk en in q stray cat"
 He got up and walked over to- ward the stove. Then he stopped down and wa. just about to reach under when Mother Brown spoke. T wouldn't pet him, Son." she said,
 A queer expression swept over Farmer Browns Boys face as he looked up. Why not, Mother?" he asked. "I'n, not afraid of being scratched"
 Just the same, ! wouldn't do If 1t l were you" replied Mother Brown, and her eyes twinkled even more than before
 Just then there was a movement under the stove and a moment later a black head was peked out and two bright eyes looked up at Farm CT Browns Boy. Well of all things," he exclaimed, and he cer- 'ainly was a surprised looking boy. You see. that head was not the head of a cat. No. indeed. it was not at all the head of a cat, IL was smaller and quite different in shape, and il vas the last head in the world that Farmer Browns Boy ever expect cd to see poked out from under th" kitchen stove.
 Well. well, Jimmy Skunk! What are you doing in here?" ls demand cd
 Jimmy blinkei up at him as much as 10 say. Making myself comfortable, What Of it?" Then his lead disappeared as he once more v1rled up under the stove.
 Then Mother Brown told how she in lied Jimmy into the kitchen for L3 supper and how he had ac- ree'ed the invitation, and how hay ing eaten his fill he had walked in- 10 the kitchen and inspected every thing there. After his tour Of ir- ID c'ion he had curled up under the ;tove, where Black Pussy had so efieH curled up; and there he had remained, apparently making him. self entirely at home.
 Of course. Farmer Browns Boy was delighted T didn't think you ever would do it. Mother" said he. Tt is hard to believe even now. I didn't think you ever would ret over that foolish fear of Jimmy skunk. wonder if the rest of his family will be ss friendly as Jimmy, Wouldn't it he fun to have tho whole family coming 10 see us every right?"
 Mother Brown looked doubtful. T aen't know" said she, what I should do with eight of them under