all these vermin immediately. The king’s heart heaved so high at the joy that these news brought him, that his turban dropped off his head! ‘Bring this creature to me, says he, and if she will perform what you say, I will load your ship with, gold and jewels in exchange for her.’ The factor, who knew his busines, took this opportunity to set forth the merits of Mrs Puss. He told his majesty, that it would be inconvenient to part with her, as when she was gone, the rats and mice might destroy the goods in the ship—but, to oblige his majesty, he would fetch her. “Run, run,” said the queen, I am impatient to see the dear creature.” Away flew the factor, while another dinner was providing, and returned with the cat just as the rats and mice were devouring that also. He immediately set down Miss Puss, who killed a great number of them.
The king rejoiced greatly to see his old enemies destroyed by so small a
