Page 13 - The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr.

"It looks like a cheese," suggested the smallest of the three jolly Welshmen.

"Nonsense," answered Puss, Jr. "Who ever heard of a person sailing about in a cheese?"

"Well, I didn't mean a Swiss cheese," replied the Welshman who up to this time had said nothing. "Swiss
cheeses are full of holes. I guess they wouldn't float very long."

"This boat has a big crack in it," said Puss. "Just look and see for yourself."

"Crackers and cheese!" laughed one of the three jolly Welshmen. "How do you like my joke?"

"It makes me feel hungry," said Puss, Jr. "I've had nothing to eat for a long time."

"Come with us, then," said the three jolly Welshmen; "we'll take you to see the Queen."

"I don't look very neat," replied Puss, rubbing the salt spray from his boot-tops.

"Neither do I," cried the little owl, preening his feathers and stretching out his tail. "I'm all ruffled up."

"Well, the Queen's making tarts to-day," cried the three jolly Welshmen all at once. "We're going, anyway."

Puss, Jr., and the little owl waited no longer, but followed the three Welshmen at once. In the distance could
be seen the turrets of a stately castle. On arriving at the postern gate they were admitted after a slight delay. In
the courtyard all was bustle and excitement. On long tables were spread the most delicious-looking
tarts--raspberry, strawberry, lemon, apple, and all the other delicious varieties that could be imagined. Puss,
Jr.'s, mouth fairly watered at the sight, and the little owl could hardly restrain himself from picking out
strawberries that protruded from under the crust of a tart near at hand. The three jolly Welshmen also showed
signs of impatience. They were as anxious to taste the tarts as were their small companions.

[Illustration: PUSS JOINED IN THE CHASE TO HELP THE QUEEN]

At that instant a great commotion arose. The Knave of Hearts was seen rushing away with a whole trayful of
tarts. After him ran the Queen, holding up her long train so as to run faster. Puss joined in the chase to help the
Queen.

PUSS LEARNS WHERE HIS FATHER IS AND RECEIVES A TART FROM THE QUEEN

The Knave of Hearts was a pretty good runner, and Puss, Jr., found it no easy task to catch him. Finally,
however, he did, and after some difficulty brought him back to the castle. As they entered the postern gate,

The King of Hearts Called for those tarts, And beat the Knave full sore.

"I'm glad I didn't take a tart," said Puss, in a whisper to his little friend the owl, while the three jolly
Welshmen looked much relieved to think that they had not touched one, either. At this point the Queen came
graciously forward and offered them all a tart apiece.

"How do you like it?" she asked Puss, smiling in a kind way. "You deserve much more than a tart for having
caught that naughty Knave. What can I do to reward you?"

Puss carefully wiped his whiskers with his pocket-handkerchief before replying. "Your Majesty," he
answered, "I am in search of my illustrious father, Puss in Boots. Could you but direct me to him I shall
consider you have more than repaid me for my trouble."