Three little [Illustration: Kittens] were born in a [Illustration:
House] where there were two lively [Illustration: Children] The
[Illustration: Kittens] were at once named Tom, Dick, and Harry.
As soon as they were big enough to handle, the [Illustration: Children]
began to carry them round, indoors and out. Nancy, the mamma
[Illustration: Cat], did not like her [Illustration: Kittens] to be
handled so much, for she knew it was not good for them. She mewed, but
the children did not notice her distress.
Dick, a lovely grey, seemed to be her pet. She took the best care of
him, and seemed most worried when the children picked him up.
One day little Dick could not be found. The [Illustration: Children]
hunted for him, but in vain. They noticed that Nancy did not seem
anxious, nor did she go looking for her lost [Illustration: Kitten].
They did not notice, however, that she would often go up the
[Illustration: Stairs], and stay away awhile from Tom and Harry.
When washing day came, they found out all about it. In a low, dark
[Illustration: Cupboard] upstairs, where the soiled clothes were kept,
Nancy and Dick were found. Dick was snugly wrapped in the clothes, and
purred contentedly. Mamma Nancy lay beside him. She had taken her
favorite [Illustration: Kitten] and hidden him, so that the children
should not play with him.