Well, anyhow, the mistress of the manse discovered me in the yard, and captured me, bringing me to the Master of the House. He was an arrogant man of middle age, and cats were not much in his plan. Besides, I looked like a barn cat.

"There's nothing of grace or elegance about that creature. Toss it to the dog to eat."

The woman didn't want to do this, but at last he grabbed me and tossed me to his dog.

Well, as noted, the dog and I had become unlikely companions, and the dog simply tucked me over on my back and began playing -- and I responded in kind.

The man stomped off, but I was allowed to stay. I kept out of the man's way, because I didn't trust him, but he set great store by that dog of his. The dog was a guardian and his most trustworthy security force. Humans could be bribed. Not that dog.

For my part, I got rid of the mice that tried to raid his kitchens, and occasionally allowed myself to be petted -- but not cossetted -- by the mistress. It was a decent enough place to stay, and that dog was also a true friend of mine. The mistress actually set out food for me, so I didn't have to survive entirely on rodents. It was rich stuff, and I found myself putting on weight. Nonetheless, I'd come into my prime, as contented as I could ever expect to be.

~to be continued~