18
PUSS IN BOOTS.
Scarcely had he lain down before he succeeded as well as could be wished. A giddy young rabbit crept into the bag, and the Cat immediately drew the strings, and killed him without mercy.
Puss, proud of his prey, hastened directly to the palace, where he asked to speak to the King. On being shown into the apartment of his Majesty, he made a low bow, and said, “I have brought you, Sire, this rabbit from the warren of my Lord the Marquis of Carabas, who commanded me to present it to your Majesty, with the assurance of his respect." This was the title which the Cat thought proper to bestow on his master. “Tell my Lord Marquis of Carabas," replied the King," that I accept his present with pleasure, and that I am greatly obliged to him."
Soon after, the Cat laid himself down in the same manner in a field of corn, and had as much good fortune as before; for two fine partridges got into his bag, which he immediately killed and carried to the palace. The King received them as he had done the rabbit, and ordered his servants to give the messenger something to drink. In this manner he continued to carry presents of game to the King from my Lord Marquis of Carabas, once at least in every week.
One day, the Cat having heard that the King intended to take a ride that morning by the river
