Page 36 - The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Jr.

"Let us make haste," cried Puss, Jr., "or we shall be late."

"Please don't go so fast," begged the old bullfrog. "I'm a very poor walker."

"Here, climb up on my back," said the squirrel. "You can lean against my tail. It will keep you from falling
off."

This helped matters a great deal, and our little friends moved forward at a good pace. The old bullfrog was
also much relieved. He was pretty tired and every once in a while gasped for breath. He was not too weary,
however, to catch several flies on the way, and he winked quite solemnly at Puss, who grinned in return. As
they neared the wedding procession they heard the lark singing.

He sang of Robin's love For little Jenny Wren; And when he came unto the end, Then he began again.

The Goldfinch came on next, To give away the bride; The Linnet, being bridesmaid, Walked by Jenny's side;

And as she was a-walking, Said, "Upon my word, I think that your Cock Robin Is a very pretty bird."

"I think he is," whispered Puss, Jr., to the squirrel.

"So do I," said the chipmunk.

"Ker-chunk," said the old bullfrog, "he has a fine red vest. I always like white waistcoats, though," he added,
looking down at his own; "but then, you know, everybody doesn't like the same thing."

PUSS IS WELCOMED AT THE WEDDING

All the birds of the forest seemed to be at the wedding of Cock Robin and little Jenny Wren, as Puss, Jr., and
his little friends sat down beneath a big tree. The little squirrel cuddled up to Puss, while the chipmunk sat
close by. The muskrat and the beaver stood near at hand, while the rabbit and the old bullfrog, who had
climbed off the squirrel's back, looked out from behind the tree trunk. They were the most timid of all, so they
hid behind the tree.

All the birds were singing as sweetly as could be. It was certainly very beautiful wedding music. Perhaps the
most exquisite strains came from

The Blackbird and the Thrush, And charming Nightingale, Whose soft note sweetly echoes Through every
grove and dale;

The Bullfinch walked by Robin, And thus to him did say: "Pray mark, friend Robin Redbreast, That
Goldfinch dressed so gay;

"What though her gay apparel Becomes her very well, Yet Jenny's modest dress and look Must bear away the
bell."

Just then Parson Rook looked over at them. "Why, Puss in Boots, Junior!" he called out. "Come over here,"
and, turning to the wedding guests, he said: "There is the son of the famous Puss in Boots. We are honored to
have so illustrious a person with us. And delighted, too, for he is a great traveler and a jolly good fellow."

Puss, Jr., arose and bowed.