plaything!" she said to herself; "it seems

a shame they can't have it. It is too bad to make them think that poor child is a thief. She has a very good heart. I heard them say she used to save crumbs for the mice when she didn't have enough to eat herself. Posy, too,—she is such a dear child, I hate to make her so unhappy. I believe I will keep it for my babies, and make old Graywhisker think I put it in Nancy's room. But then if he should ever find out the truth it would be the end of me; and he'd be sure to find it out, for he knows everything. The barn-cat came near getting him the other day,—I'm sure I wish she had. Dear me! what was that noise?"

Little Mrs. Silverskin trembled like a leaf; but all was still again, and she concluded it was only something that fell down in the loft above. So, when she was quite sure everything was quiet again, she