und. Perhaps it made
its way back to the river, and told of its harrowing experiences on
land, and especially how it had lost its claw.

Fritz limped for several days after his experience with the crab and
Beth had a terrible nightmare that night in which crabs were giants
with claws of iron.

CHAPTER IV

Visiting

Beth was seated with Fritz and the kittens in a large Mexican hammock
on the front porch. She held up a warning finger to her mother who
stood in the doorway.

"Mamma, do not frighten birdie away. He is not the least bit afraid of
me, and I love to hear him sing."

Mrs. Davenport was surprised to see a mocking bird perched on the
railing directly by the side of Beth. His little head was cocked
sidewise, and floods of sweet sounds issued from his throat.

His spouse, who was guarding their nest up in the big live oak in the
front yard, trilled her limited paeon of praise.

Beth, who often acted as interpreter for beast and bird, thought the
proud wife-bird meant to say:

"Bravo. Isn't he the most wonderful tenor that ever lived? Are you
surprised that I love him so? He is the best and smartest husband in
all the world."

Fritz and black pussy grew restless. She spit at him, and he barked at
her.

"Now, my dears, do let me enjoy this beautiful music in peace," Beth
said reprovingly.

Hardly had she spoken, before black pussy sprang away, and Fritz was
after her in an instant.

Beth did not dare follow for fear of frightening away Mr. Mocking Bird,
who stopped singing as cat and dog scampered away, but who had not yet
flown back to his mate. He was watching fearfully every move of the
frolicsome pair.

Away scurried kitty to the other end of the porch with Fritz a close
second. Suddenly, she turned, settling down on her back with her claws
out-stretched, ready to receive Fritz. In an instant he was on her.
Over and over they rolled in their wild play. Fritz became too rough
to suit puss, and she gave him a sudden dab with her sharp little
claws. The blow disabled him for a moment, allowing puss to spring
away from him. She scampered down the steps and towards the big tree
with Fritz again after her.

Mr. Mocking Bird was up in arms in an instant. How dared the impudent
creatures approach that tree where dwelt his wife and children! He
flew to the rescue.

Mrs. Mocking Bird, too, had grown so nervous that she, also, left her
young, and joined in the fray. Together Mr