A was an Ant who worked all the day. B was a Butterfly, flitting away. C was a Cherry that hung on a tree. D was a Daisy that grew on the lea. E was an Elm that stood by the school. F was a Frog that lived in a pool G was a Goat with a beard on his face. H was a Horse that won a fine race. I was an Insect that fed on a peach. J was a Jay Bird whose song was a screech. K was a Kitten that played with a string. L was a Lambkin that browsed in the spring. M was a Magpie that stole a gold spoon. N was the Nest where she slept 'neath the moon. O was the Oak Tree that held safe the nest. P was a Pigeon with soft purple vest. Q was a Quail that was shot with a gun. R was a Rooster that woke up the sun. S was a Snail that was awfully slow. T was a Turtle, no faster, you know. U was a Unicorn; of him you have heard. V was a Vulture, a rapacious bird. W was a Wren that made a sweet noise. X was a Xmas Tree, covered with toys. Y was a Yule Log, dragged through the snow. Z was a Zero when winter winds blow. And I think when I tell you that Puss learned this alphabet in less than half an hour you will agree with me he was a very bright cat. LUCY LOCKET "GID-AP!" said Puss, Junior. "Gid-ap, my good steed, for we must hasten on. 'Tis yet a long ways we must journey ere I find my illustrious father, Puss in Boots." The Good Gray Horse quickened his pace, and soon many a mile was left behind. At length Puss saw a little girl in the doorway of a cottage. Lucy Locket Lost her pocket; Kitty Fisher Found it; Nothing in it, Nothing in it, But the binding Round it. "Whoa!" cried Puss. "Can I help you, miss?" "I'm so disappointed!" cried the little girl. "I thought there might be a bright penny inside." "Are you sure there isn't?" asked Puss, sympathetically. "Do you want a penny very much?" "Yes," replied the child. "Well, here's one," replied Puss, thrusting his paw into his pocket and bringing out a bright penny. Leaning down from his horse, he handed it to the little maid. "What are you going to buy with it?" he asked. "Peppermint stick," she answered. "Peppermint stick with red rings all around it." [Illustration] "That sounds pretty nice," said Puss. "Where's the candy shop?" "Just over there," she replied, pointing to a small shop on the opposite side of the street. "Let's go in," suggested Puss, dismounting and tying his Good Gray Horse to the hitching post.