Puss in Boots

“ Puss-in-Boots and Lord Peter
Puss-in-Boots, a romantic tale suited to the first grade, delights with its strong sense of adventure and of the heroic. Puss is a Master-Cat, a hero clever and quick, and with fine imagination to see what would happen and prepare for it. He is successful, combining initiative and motivation delightfully. His devotion to his master seems like disinterested loyalty, love, and sacrifice. While it is true the plot is based on a lie, the moral effect is not bad because we recognize Puss as a match-making character similar to the matchmaking Jackal of India ”

“ THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS IN BOOTS, JR. PUSS IN BOOTS, JR., BEGINS HIS TRAVELS PUSS had made a great discovery in the garret. It seems strange that he should have found something more important than a rat or mouse, but he had. From the moment he had seen the picture-book he was a changed cat! ”

“ No doubt he will know, as he is a very wise man and an old retainer." So saying, she led the way into the castle, followed by Puss, Jr., and the little owl.
"Puss in Boots? Puss in Boots?" repeated the old man, in an inquiring tone, talking half to himself. "Why, is he not in the employ of my Lord of Carabas?"
"Yes, indeed!" cried the Queen. "Now I remember. My dear Puss in Boots, Junior, you still have a long journey before you; but to the brave all things are possible. Although he lives far beyond the border-line of Mother Goose Land, a good traveler need not despair." ”

“ Puss, Jr., almost felt like crying. "Did you ever hear of Puss in Boots?" he asked.
"Certainly," replied all three fiddlers at once, [87] "but he doesn't live here. No cats do. We make all the noise in this castle. You don't think for a moment Old King Cole could stand any more noise, do you?"
"My father wouldn't make any noise," replied Puss, Jr., indignantly.
"I never heard of a cat that didn't," said one of the fiddlers.
"All cats make an awful noise at night," said another.
"They meow and cry like everything on the back fence," said the third fiddler. ”

“ PUSS IN BOOTS GREETS THE KING
The lad had very little money to spare, but he knew Puss was a faithful creature, and he had seen him play many cunning tricks to catch rats and mice, so that he did not altogether despair of his affording him some help. Therefore he bought him a smart pair of boots made of buff-colored leather, and gave him the bag for which he had asked.
Puss drew on the boots, and then he fitted slip-strings around the mouth of the bag, put some bran and parsley inside, and trotted off with it to a neighboring hillside where there was an abundance of rabbits. ”

“ The cocks were crowing lustily in the barn-yards, and every now and then the bark of a dog, faint but clear, would come to their ears.
"It's funny to look at a house from the outside in the early morning," said Puss. "I've always looked out from the inside."
[68] "Of course you have, my dear little traveler," answered Mother Goose, "but now that you are on your journey to find your famous father, Puss in Boots, you will see many things very differently."
"Well," said the gander, for the first time speaking, "I'm a bit tired, so I think I will alight near this old barn." ”

“ From the chimney a thin gray feather of smoke slowly made its way up through the tall tree tops, and around the front door climbed a wild vine. Puss went up boldly and knocked and when the door opened he saw a fox. At first he was somewhat frightened, but the fox said, "Come in, Sir Cat," so our little traveler entered and sat down.
Then the fox asked him where he was [13] going. "To see my dear father, the famous Puss in Boots," replied little Puss, Junior. "It's not very far from here," answered the fox, "but the way is dangerous. Many robbers lie in wait for the unwary traveler." ”

“ When the old king died, the princess and her husband reigned in his stead. Their most honored and faithful friend at court was Puss in Boots, for his master never forgot to whom he owed all his good fortune. Puss lived on the daintiest meat and the most delicious cream, and was petted and made much of all the days of his life; and he never ran after rats and mice except for exercise and amusement. ”

“ HUNGRY KITTENS
"GOODNESS, what a bump!" cried the little black kitty, wiping the snow from his eyes.
"Gracious! what a bump!" said Puss, scrambling up from the ground. "I think I felt it more than the old barn door, for I was underneath, you see, and you were piled on top of me."
The three little kittens felt very sorry and commenced to brush the snowflakes from his fur coat. "There's snow in your boot legs," said the little gray kitten, standing on tiptoe and looking down Puss, Junior's, boots. "Don't you feel it? I should think it would make you shiver." ”

“ Such stories as "Puss in Boots" might be taken as evidence of the favor with which the cat has been regarded by the people, were it not that the balance of testimony is against that animal's claims to be considered the guardian angel of the Marquis de Carabas and his brethren. For in the south and the east of Europe, as well as in Asia, the four-footed creature which plays that part is almost invariably a fox. There seems to be good reason for supposing that in all the stories of the "Booted Cat" cycle, there ought to be no cat and no boots. ”

“ This cat is no ordinary cat. Let him make himself comfortable while I go and see about supper."
But Puss still hesitated.
"You are indeed welcome," said the little old woman, peering over her glasses to get a good look at him; "you shall stay and rest yourself, for you have helped my good man, and whoever does my man a good turn shall never go unrewarded."
[35]
CHAUFFEUR TAFFY
"HIGH-HO, how the winds blow!" exclaimed little Puss, Junior, as he rode along on his Good Gray Horse toward the castle of my Lord Carabas to see his dear father, Puss in Boots. ”

“ That we have soiled our mittens."
While Puss was busy placing his boots before the kitchen stove the three little kittens seated themselves at the table.
"Why don't you take off your mittens?" Puss asked. "I guess you're so hungry you can't wait," he added with a laugh.
It took but a short time for his boots to dry, for there was a big, blazing fire in the stove.
"Don't you want something to eat?" asked [48] Mrs. Cat, coming over to Puss. "You have very pretty boots," she continued, lifting up one and looking at it with much admiration.
"Yes, they are nice boots," said Puss, Junior. ”

“ To their utter astonishment they heard a shrill neigh close at hand, and, turning to see what manner of steed had answered so quickly their wishes, they beheld two fine gray horses in the meadow close by. Leaning their heads over the fence rail, the two animals gazed at them with expectant eyes.
"Why, they already have on their saddles and bridles!" cried the tinker, with amazement. "Are you a fairy cat? Do your wishes always come true?"
"That is a nice question to answer," replied Puss, "but in this case, you can see for yourself." ”

“ The pussy cat looked ashamed of herself. "What you say is very true. I suppose I ought to be thankful that I have such strong [126] claws. It's not hard work climbing trees, and as for running, my legs carry me very well. Perhaps I don't need wings, after all."
"Well, I never saw a flying cat," admitted Puss, Junior, "although I've seen some remarkable things since I started out to find my father, Puss in Boots."
"So you are a traveler," said the pussy cat, jumping down from the wall and walking up to Puss. "How long have you been looking for your father?" ”

“ Cat had powdered Puss, Junior's, toes so that they would slip easily into his boots she turned to see what the three little kittens were doing. They had just finished eating the pie. She had been so interested in hearing how Puss, Junior, had found his red-top boots that she hadn't heard them say:
"Oh, mother dear, we greatly fear
That we have soiled our mittens."
"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Cat. "Soiled your mittens, you naughty kittens!" ”

“ Little Puss, Junior, had fallen asleep in the house where little Boy Blue lived. Yes, Puss had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace over which hung the silver horn that called the cows from the fields of corn. Well, the next morning the horn began blowing all by itself, and this, of course, woke up everybody in the house; so Puss washed his face and hands and curled his whiskers and after that he pulled on his red-topped boots and was ready for breakfast. Then Mrs. Boy Blue came downstairs with little Boy Blue. ”

“ Puss clung tightly to the reins, and, on looking back, saw the bewildered tinker still standing by the fence, while his horse careered across the meadow, kicking up his heels and snorting at a great rate.
[130] PUSS MEETS A HUNTER AND THEY BOTH LEARN THAT THE OWL IS A USEFUL BIRD
WELL, that was a clumsy tinker," said Puss to himself, as he guided his good gray horse into the highway. "But I suppose he is no rider, and therefore is safer upon his own two legs. ”

“ At the time the miller was talking the mouse and the rat kept a close watch on Puss, Jr. They knew from experience, most likely, that cats are not millers, and although Puss, Jr., with his boots and cap, his clothes and staff, did not resemble an ordinary cat, at the same time he was a cat. So the rat and the mouse kept at a safe distance. ”

“ Unless I may borrow from Sir Pussy Cat?"
"Of course you may," cried Puss. "Just wait till we get to town."
And then the farmer's pretty daughter blushed very red. "I was only in fun," she said. [74]
"But I wasn't," replied Puss.
"Why, have you enough money?" she asked, giving him a hug.
"Don't squeeze so tight," cried Puss. "We may have an accident, and one is enough for [75] to-day. I hope your father will get the old gray mare home safely." ”

“ One doesn't often live in a shoe, although one may walk in one." [96]
"You don't mean to tell me you made that wonderful shoe?" cried Puss.
"Most certainly, my good Sir Cat."
"Then you shall make me a pair of boots. And, mind you, my good man, they must have red tops."
"That they shall," said the cobbler. "Dismount, [97] and come into my humble shop. I would measure your feet."
"Perhaps you have a pair on hand that will fit me," said Puss, gazing about the tiny shop.
"I will see," replied the cobbler.
"I am in haste," said Puss, as the cobbler looked over his stock. ”

“ Can you make your way?"
"Never fear," replied Puss. "A cat can see in the dark."
But, goodness me! just as they reached the barn a bat knocked off Puss, Junior's, hat.
"Bat, bat, come under my hat
And I'll give you a slice of bacon,
And when I bake I'll give you a cake,
If I am not mistaken,"
cried the innkeeper. ”

“ Indeed, the country is all excitement—flags flying, drums beating, men drilling, women scraping lint. All is bustle and hustle."
"And what brings you so far from there?" inquired Puss, replacing his sword in his scabbard.
"My two good wings," replied the bumblebee, and he laughed as he dove head first into a flower after its dewy sweetness.
"Come, little master," cried the Good Gray Horse. "I am rested. Let us hasten on our journey."
Puss bade good-by to the golden bumblebee and sprang once more into the saddle. ”

“ And, oh, dear me! again, before Puss knew what was going to happen they stretched tiny ropes [7] about his Good Gray Horse and bound his legs fast, and after that they tied Puss to the saddle.
"Ha, ha!" laughed the little fairy. "Now, my good Sir Cat, will you believe that fairies have power?"
"Gid-ap!" cried Puss, but his good gray steed could move neither head nor foot. "Gid-ap!" he cried again; but his Good Gray Horse could move neither ears nor tail.
"Gracious me!" exclaimed Puss. "I'm in a pretty mess!" And then the fairies began to sing:
"Pride must ever have a fall. ”

“ Is all work and no play,"
she continued, unconsciously making a little rhyme.
"But where is Jack?" asked Puss, after he had consoled her by saying that there was much harder work in the world than laying golden eggs.
"Oh, he's up at the giant's house, hiding somewhere," she replied.
"Won't you show me the way?" said Puss, "for I have a message from his mother to deliver to him."
"Come along; follow me," she cackled, and Puss walked by her side, politely helping her over the rough places, as the path became steeper and steeper. Near the top of the hill was the giant's house. ”

“ So they all ran out to the barn. But just as they entered the big door a little mouse scurried into a hole and a big gray rat ran into the corn bin.
"Look here, little mouse, if you'll tell us whether you've seen any mittens we won't hurt you," cried Puss. But the little mouse didn't reply.
"My dear Mr. Rat," said Puss, Junior, speaking into a crack of the corn bin, "if you'll tell us whether you have seen any mittens we'll promise not to touch you." But the rat didn't answer.
"They're afraid of you," said the little black kitty. ”

“ BOBBY SHAFTO
AS Puss, Junior, rode along on his Good Gray Horse he passed a pretty cottage near the roadway. And the roses that climbed over the front porch were so fragrant and the voice of the girl floating through the open window was so sweet that he stopped to listen. ”

“ So Puss put the cradle on his shoulder and, [95] bowing to the miller, followed after her, while the baby kicked and crowed and tried to reach down and pull his whiskers. And Puss tickled the baby's hand and winked at the baby, who gurgled and laughed and tried to pull the feather out of Puss, Jr.'s, cap. And the little mother forgot all about her own weariness, for baby lay so warm against her neck and his laugh tinkled so sweetly in her ear!
[96] THE MILKMAN'S HORSE, OLD NAGGETTY NOGG
Jockety jog, jockety jog! ”

“ It was a very big barn door that ran on little iron wheels, and it wasn't easy to move. "Push!" cried Puss, bracing his feet against the side of the barn.
"We can't push any harder," cried the three little kittens.
"Try again," said Puss. "Now, all together, heave ho, heave ho!" The big door began to [45] move. "Push!" cried Puss. "It's beginning to move." ”