SALLY IN HER FUR COAT [Illustration: SALLY IN HER FUR COAT WAS RACING THROUGH THE GARDEN (_page 1_)] SALLY IN HER FUR COAT By ELIZA ORNE WHITE AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS IN FUR,’ ETC. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM SCISSOR-CUTS BY LISL HUMMEL [Illustration] BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY The Riverside Press Cambridge 1929 COPYRIGHT, 1929, BY ELIZA ORNE WHITE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCE THIS BOOK OR PARTS THEREOF IN ANY FORM The Riverside Press CAMBRIDGE · MASSACHUSETTS PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. TO ELIZABETH F. DUNDASS AND MARGARET COLTER True friends of all in coats of fur, Beloved by every cat and kitten, Welcomed with many a heart-felt purr, Here, gratefully your names are written. The world is wide and full of wondrous things For all God’s creatures, whether great or small, For those who soar aloft on spreading wings, Or those who, earth-bound, never fear a fall. But surely kittens have a joyous time, With ears attuned to every tiny sound, And with the power the loftiest tree to climb, And eyes that see all creatures on the ground. The patter of the rain upon the leaves, The ants that swiftly build their tiny house, The wind that’s but a gentle summer breeze, The stealthy tread of an alluring mouse-- All this is joy; how could one wish to be A man or woman with closed ears and eyes To all the treasures of the land and sea, And to the glory of the earth and skies? And even a child, though nearer to the ground, Is often heedless of this wondrous earth, Where such enthralling histories are found. Who would not be a kitten full of mirth? CONTENTS I. THE ORPHANS 1 Two orphan kittens without their mother, In piteous plight were they, A furry sister and her brother In coats of tiger gray. II. THE COLD NIGHT 10 If in May the nights are cold, When Nature should be thriving, Young kittens but a few weeks old Think winter is arriving. III. THE CAPTURE 19 Is it best to be captured, or still to be free? To have food and a fire, or one’s liberty? To be free has its charms, but when hungry and cold, To be captured is not at all bad, we are told. IV. THE KITTENS AND MISS WINIFRED 27 Politeness is a pleasant trait. If we are rude to kittens small, We lose their love and win their hate, Their friendship is not ours at all. V. THE FRIENDLY HOUSE 33 A house is such a pleasant place When friends are kind And understand our furry race, Our heart and mind. VI. SALLY AND THE CLOCK 41