THE LONELY PUSSY CAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE LONELY PUSSY CAT

JIGGER was a large, black cat. He had big yellow eyes, a long tail and ears sharply pointed and quick to hear. Although he possessed'all these fine features and a good home where ho got food every day and cream and chicken at the week-ends he was not happy. He was lonely. There were plenty of cats in the neighbourhood, but Nigger could not bring himself to be friends with them at all. Everyone was anxious about Nigger, for he began to slink sadly about the house and mope in the corners. At last it was decided a mate must be got for- him. After a hasty. visit to the animal shop, a little grey persian was bought. It was taken home and that night ceremoniously presented to Nigger. There was a moment of anxiety and Nigger sniffed the newcomer. Suddenly, with a squeal of rage, he darted forward and dug his claws into the kitten's arched back.

. M ft* —Original • hy . Eleanor Mc.Kinnon (13), D.M.B.G. BS.H

Hastily tlio pereiait was taken up and eootlied and Nigger -s-kruched away into the darkness of the back verandah. .It seemed.'that-all hopes had failed. • The advice of old Mr. Smith at the animal shop was sought- when the kitten was returned. "I think," he said slowly, "that you had better let Nigger find a mate for himself. He would perhaps be more fond of a friend he found himself." Time passed, and all despaired. One day, while exploring the regions of an old box Nigger found It. It was a small black tom-cat. Black as Nigger himself. Gently Nigger nosed the occupant of the box out into the sunshine. He licked the bundle of fur with a wet tongue and fondled the creature that kissed him with a tiny nose in return. Together they,.went across the lawn and into Nigger's sacred' S huntinggrounds in the orchard.

Later the family saw them asleep side by side under a tree. It with his head thrust into the softness of Nigger's black fur. '