"That was only one
of _my_ lives!" he screamed. "I have eight left. Cats have nine lives,
but you--you miserable dog--have only one."

Then they fought worse than ever, and neither seemed willing to yield.

[Illustration: RAINING CATS AND DOGS.]

But the fight ended in a strange way. Just as the dog again laid Puss
low, a tremendous shower of pitchforks fell, beating on everything with
dreadful effect. Sir John saved himself by getting under a tree, but
poor Puss couldn't move to a shelter, and his remaining seven lives were
being rapidly knocked out of him, when the brave dog rushed out into the
storm and proved himself a generous foe by shielding Puss from the
pitchforks with his own body.

"You are a dear good dog!" cried Carry. "I always loved you the best!"
But even as she was speaking there came a terrific clap of thunder, and
her own cat, who had been trembling with fear, sprang to her shoulder
and buried her claws there and as Carry shrieked with fright and pain,
Jake was holding her in his arms.

"Were you frightened, out here all alone?" said he. "I was busy and I
didn't think you'd mind the rain; but when the thunder began I came out
quick."

"Rain?" said Carry, "I don't mind rain, Jake; but I don't like it to
rain cats and dogs when they fight. Why, where are they?" She lifted her
face from Jake's shoulder, and looked about her amazed, for not a cat
was to be seen nor a dog, but only the steady rain, pouring straight
down.

"Cats and dogs!" said Jake, laughing.

"And pitchforks, too, Jake,--yes, really!"

"Well," said Jake; "if you aint the most _curious_ little gal!"

But Carry don't think she is half as curious as other people are who
wont believe what she saw with her own eyes.

[Illustration: WE CAME,--WE SAW,]

[Illustration: WE LEFT.]

UNDER THE LILACS.

BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.

CHAPTER XXIII.

SOMEBODY COMES.

Bab and Betty had been playing in the avenue all the afternoon, several
weeks later, but as the shadows began to lengthen both agreed to sit
upon the gate and rest while waiting for Ben, who had gone nutting with
a party of boys. When they played house, Bab was always the father, and
went hunting or fishing with great energy and success, bringing home all
sorts of game, from elephants and crocodiles to humming-birds and
minnows. Betty was the mother, and a most notable little housewife,
always mixing up imaginary delicacies with sand and dirt in old pans and