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THE STORY OF JACKO II. 133
of the house, should only have nuts, carrots, and other raw vegetables, which set his teeth on edge, provided for him, whilst this comparative stranger was offered such tempting delicacies. He came to the conclusion that his master was most unjust, and that he must do his best to restore things to the proper order by eating the pies himself and leaving the nuts, &c. to Michette.
So, next morning, when the two breakfasts were brought, as Michette, purring cheerfully, approached her saucer, Jacko picked her up under one arm, where he held her firmly, with her head turned away from the food as long as there was any left on the dish; then, having had an excellent meal, he left Michette at liberty to breakfast in her turn on the vegetables.
Michette turned over and smelt them each in turn, but, displeased with the result of her inspection, she came back mewing sadly, and lay down by the greedy monkey.
At dinner the same manoeuvre took place, but this time Jacko was still more pleased with his idea, for the meat pie struck him as even better than the milk pudding. Thanks to these nourishing meals, and the warmth of Michette's fur, he spent an excellent night, snoring away lustily, and quite regardless of poor Michette's complaints.
Things went on like this for three days, to the great joy of Jacko and the equally great distress of Michette, who, by the fourth day, was so weak that she lay still in her corner without moving. Jacko made an excellent meal, and felt much ill-used when he returned to roll himself round Michette to find his warm muff so much cooler than usual.
The night was colder than ever, and next morning Jacko's tail was frozen hard, and Michette lay at the point of death.
Luckily, on that day, Tony, who had felt anxious on account of the extreme cold, went to inspect his two prisoners as soon as he woke. He was only just in time, for both seemed almost equally petrified, so he took Jacko |
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