Well, just then, all of a sudden, a big kind-hearted owl flew down from his nest in a tree and cut all the fairy ropes with a big pair of scissors. And then he gave a great hoot, which so frightened the fairies that they flew away, helter skelter, into the depths of the forest. "You have been very kind to me," said Puss. "How shall I repay you?" "Forget it," said the owl, taking off his gold-rimmed spectacles and wiping his left eye with a yellow silk handkerchief. "If you would get safely out of this forest, "Follow the path, the moon is still bright. Take the first turn--the one to the right. The Willow Tree Inn you'll find in due course, Where you'll find shelter for you and your horse." "Thank you," said Puss. "If your directions are as good as your rhyme I shall have no trouble in finding the place." WILLOW TREE INN THE moonlight shone brightly on the sign of the Willow Tree Inn as Puss reached up for the big brass knocker. But he wasn't tall enough, so he stood on an empty flower pot and rapped twice on the door. "Who's there?" asked the innkeeper, poking his head out of the window. "Puss in Boots, Junior." "Very well, Master Boots," said the innkeeper. "Rest on the porch till I put on my boots." And pretty soon the door opened and the sleepy innkeeper appeared with a lighted candle in his hand. "Ah, you have a horse," he said. "Come, I will show you the way to the stable." "Bad luck," cried the innkeeper, as a gust of wind blew out the candle. "The moon is behind a cloud. 'Tis dark. Can you make your way?" "Never fear," replied Puss. "A cat can see in the dark." But, goodness me! just as they reached the barn a bat knocked off Puss, Junior's, hat. "Bat, bat, come under my hat And I'll give you a slice of bacon, And when I bake I'll give you a cake, If I am not mistaken," cried the innkeeper. [Illustration] "That sounds mighty good to me," said Puss, Junior. "I've had no supper yet, and it's nearly morning." "So it is," answered the innkeeper. "Well, we'll give your Good Gray Horse a mess of oats and some hay. After that we'll go back to the inn and cook a slice of bacon." "And when you bake please give me a cake, or I'll be much disappointed," cried Puss. "I'd rather give it to you than to that old bat," said the innkeeper, closing the stable door and pushing in the bolt. "Of course, he catches lots of mice, but at the same time I don't like him." "So you like me better?" said Puss. "Well, we'll wait and see," said the innkeeper. "In the meantime, come in." And he opened the door and led Puss into the kitchen. THE ROBBER FAIRIES "COCKS crow in the morn To tell us to rise, And he who lies late Will never be wise; "For early to bed And early to rise Is the way to be healthy And wealthy and wise."