"It is really a very stylish affair," said the

barn-cat to herself, "and I must smarten myself up a little. I wonder what the house-cat will say now!"

"It's pretty loose for her," said Tom; "I'm afraid she'll lose it off. Let's take it up another notch."

"No," said Posy decidedly; "Mamma said if it was too tight it would make her uncomf'table."

"Well, if she loses it, don't bawl," answered Tom.

"I shan't bawl," said Posy indignantly.

The children gave a look at the kittens, and then went away; and the barn-cat ate her breakfast contentedly, stopping occasionally to give her head a shake, that she might have the satisfaction of hearing the padlock rattle.

That afternoon the barn-cat called the little gray kitten to her, and told her she wanted her to keep watch while she went