Animals of a very different character often form curious friendships.
What do you think of the cat which of her own accord became the
protector of a pet canary, instead of eating it up?
The cat and the bird belonged to the mother-in-law of Mrs Lee, who has
given us many delightful anecdotes of animals. The canary was allowed
to fly about the room when the cat was shut out; but one day their
mistress, lifting her head from her work, saw that the cat had by some
means got in; and, to her amazement, there was the canary perched
fearlessly on the back of Pussy, who seemed highly pleased with the
confidence placed in her. By the silent language with which animals
communicate their ideas to each other, she had been able to make the
canary understand that she would not hurt it.
After this, the two were allowed to be constantly together, to their
mutual satisfaction. One morning, however, as they were in the bed-room
of their mistress, what was her dismay to see the trustworthy cat, as
she had supposed her, after uttering a feline growl, seize the canary in
her mouth, and leap with her into the bed. There she stood, her tail
stiffened out, her hair bristling, and her eyes glaring fiercely. The
fate of the poor canary appeared sealed; but just then the lady caught
sight of a strange cat creeping cautiously through the open doorway.
The intruder was quickly driven away, when faithful Puss deposited her
feathered friend on the bed, in no way injured--she having thus seized
it to save it from the fangs of the stranger.
Confidence begets confidence; but be very sure that the person on whom
you bestow yours is worthy of it. If not, you will not be as fortunate
as the canary was with its feline friend.
Your truest confidants, in most cases, are your own parents.