WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
9
Soon after this, the merchant, who had a ship ready to sail, richly laden, and thinking it but just that all his servants should have some chance for good luck as well as himself, called them into the parlour, and asked then what commodity they chose to send.
All mentioned something they were willing to venture but poor Whittington, who, having no money nor goods, could send nothing at all, for which reason he did not come in with the rest; but Miss Alice, guessing what was the matter, ordered him to be called, and offered to lay down some money for him from her own purse; but this, the merchant observed, would not do, for it must be something of his own.
Upon this, poor Dick said, he had nothing but a cat, which he bought for a penny that was given him.
“ Fetch thy cat, boy," says Mr. Fitzwarren, " and let her go."
Whittington brought poor puss, and delivered her to the captain with tears in his eyes; for he said, " He should now again he kept awake all night by the rats and mice."
All the company laughed at the oddity of Whittington's adventure; and Miss Alice, who felt the greatest pity for the poor boy, gave him some half-pence to buy another cat.
