Mew-Mew had a nice coat, white as milk.

She kept it very clean, for she washed it for a good many hours each day.

Bow-Wow used to say, "Why, you will wash it all away."

Mew-Mew did not mind that a bit, for she knew that Bow-Wow only said this when he felt vexed that he had not a nice white coat.

Bow-Wow's coat was black as coal.

Mew-Mew sat by the fire and washed her coat.

Bow-Wow did not dare to go to sleep, for fear of what the cat might do.

At last he was quite worn out.

His leg was very painful, too.

After the cat had washed and washed for an hour and a half, Bow-Wow could bear it no longer.

He turned himself in bed and gave a great groan.

Mew-Mew left off washing at once.

"I will groan again," said Bow-Wow; "I may as well, as I have done so once."

He did groan again, and over and over again.

If he were to be killed, he could not help it, and the pain did not seem so bad while he groaned.

"Oh! you are awake, are you?" said Mew-Mew.

"Oh—h—h! yes, I am awake," and Bow-Wow gave another great groan.