Mew-Mew went on but a little way. She then could not even limp along any more.

"Well, I did think you could run better than this," said Bow-Wow, not in a very sweet temper, when he saw her lie down.

"Oh, I shall be well soon," the cat said, "it is only my paws. Oh, Bow-Wow, do your paws never hurt?"

"I should think not," said Bow-Wow.

"Well, but just look at mine."

And they did look odd, for they were as big again as they ought to be, and quite black.

"Have you some thorns in them?" asked Bow-Wow. "You must put them into water and wash them."

"Put my paws in water! I would not do such a thing for the world."

"What will you do with them, then?"

"I mean to lick them."

"It will take you a long time to lick those paws white. But if you mean to do it you had better begin, for we shall not walk any more to-night.

Let us creep under this corn in the field. You will not mind if I go to sleep, will you, Mew-Mew?"

"Oh dear, no," said the cat.