The king's heart heaved so high
at the joy which this news gave him that his turban dropped off his
head. "Bring this creature to me," says he; "vermin are dreadful in a
court, 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 business,
took this opportunity to set forth the merits of Miss 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 put down Mrs. Puss, who killed a great number of them.
The king rejoiced greatly to see his old enemies destroyed by so small a
creature, and the queen was highly pleased, and desired the cat might be
brought near that she might look at her. Upon which the factor called
"Pussy, pussy, pussy," and she came to him. He then presented her to the
queen, who started back, and was afraid to touch a creature who had made
such a havoc among the rats and mice; however, when the factor stroked
the cat and called "Pussy, pussy," the queen also touched her and cried
"Putty, putty," for she had not learned English.
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