DOCTOR DRAKE kept a shop,
Of dimensions not large,
In a hole in the haystack
By the side of the yard,
Where he dispensed certain small stones
And one or two gravels,
With sundry rare herbs
He had found in his travels.
"I hope the good doctor's at home," said Puss, as he reined in his Good
Gray Horse. "I don't feel at all well to-day."
So he dismounted and knocked on the front door, and pretty soon the
famous duck doctor appeared. He wore a big pair of spectacles and a very
high collar, around which was tied a green cravat which matched the
feathers of his tail.
"Quack, quack!" said Doctor Drake. "What do you want?"
"I don't know, Doctor," answered Puss, Junior. "I feel far from well; in
fact, I think I'm going to be very ill."
"Don't worry," replied Doctor Drake; "that's what we doctors are looking
for--sick people. I can cure you, never fear."
"Thank you," said Puss, Junior.
[Illustration]
"Don't thank me yet," answered Doctor Drake; "wait till you're
cured--then pay me."
"That will I gladly do," replied Puss, Junior; "only make me feel like
myself again."
"I think," said Doctor Drake, after looking at Puss, Junior's, tongue,
"you had better give up horseback riding; it's bad for you."
"Oh, dear!" sighed poor Puss, Junior. "What shall I do with my Good Gray
Horse?"
"Sell him to me," replied Doctor Drake. "I'm in need of a horse. My
practice is growing so large I find it difficult to make my calls."
"Yes, I suppose you do," said Puss. "Your feet are not for walking, but
for swimming."
"Right you are," assented the doctor. "Of course, some of my patients
live in the pond; but, then, again, a lot of them don't. Take these
pills." And the famous duck doctor handed Puss, Junior, a little round
box. "One every hour; they'll soon fix you up, all right. Now, how much
do you want for your horse?"
Puss, Junior, scratched his head. "What will you give?" he asked,
tearfully.
"Twenty-five pounds," replied the doctor.
"Very well," said Puss. "The horse is yours. Give me my money and I will
journey along on foot, though it goes hard with me to part with my
faithful steed." Then, tucking the box of pills in his pocket, Puss
proceeded on his journey.
"NO BIGGER THAN MY THUMB"
HAVING traveled so long on horseback, Puss, Junior, found it hard to
resume his journey on foot. However, he manfully set out once more. The
pills Doctor Drake had given him made him feel quite frisky, and he ran
along at a good rate. In fact, he felt that perhaps he might just as
well have kept his Good Gray Horse and taken the chance of becoming
really ill. But it was too late now; the bargain had been made and he
must make the best of it. So on he jogged, whistling a merry tune to
help along his tired feet.
By and by he came to a pretty cottage and, entering the front gate,
looked in through the window. At a table sat a woman, singing:
"I had a little husband, no bigger than my thumb;
I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum.
I bought a little horse that galloped up and down;
I saddled him and bridled him and sent him out of town.
I gave him some garters to garter up his hose,
And a little pocket handkerchief to wipe his pretty nose."
"I wish she had given me the little horse," said Puss, with a sigh, "for
I certainly miss my good gray steed."
Just then the woman looked up and, seeing Puss at the window, called
out, "Come in, little Sir Cat."
Puss, Junior, jumped nimbly through the open window and stood beside
her.
"What do you think of my little husband?"
"He certainly is no bigger than your thumb, madam."
"He is a good little man, all the same," she replied, "and when he's
astride of his little horse he makes a fine appearance. Wait, and I will
show you how well he can ride."
All of a sudden Puss heard the pawing of hoofs, and there stood the
prettiest little horse he had ever seen. It was no larger than a play
toy, but well built. A long, silky mane fell over his neck, and a curly
tail almost reached to the ground. Then, quick as a wink, the little
husband jumped out of the pint pot and vaulted nimbly into the saddle.
"Gid-ap," he cried, and away went the little horse down the road.
"Good-by, madam," cried Puss, running after the tiny horseman. But it
was impossible to catch up with him, and pretty soon he disappeared in a
cloud of dust. "Well, well," cried Puss to himself, "I had no idea that
such a tiny steed could run so fast. Will wonders never cease until I
have found my dear father, Puss in Boots?"
Then, taking out his pocket handkerchief, he wiped his forehead. "I
shall not despair, however," he said, bravely, "for I have a good pair
of legs, and all journeys come to an end at last, so I shall keep
merrily on my way."