"Why isn't it fair?" said Alligator. "I wouldn't stand a chance with you running. Now go ahead and find the others while I take a nap." "Well, there are plenty more," Hortense consoled herself. "I'll look in Grandmother's room first." The first thing she saw was the bright eyes of Owl, who was perched on the mantel. "I see you," said Hortense and started to run back. But Owl flew over her head and was perched on the newel post when she arrived. "Dear me," said Hortense, "I'll be _It_ all the time at this rate. I wonder if Coal and Ember are in the fireplace. She looked, but they weren't there. "I'll try the library," thought Hortense. She hadn't more than reached the center of the room when Coal and Ember dashed past her. "Why didn't you tell me?" said Hortense reproachfully to the bronze image of Buddha seated placidly on his pedestal. The image didn't deign to reply. "I wish I could make him talk," said Hortense aloud. Somebody snickered in the corner. "Sounds like Lowboy," said Hortense. Lowboy started to run for the door but collided with a chair. "I've scratched myself," said Lowboy. Hortense did not wait to console him. Instead, she ran to the newel post. "One, two, three for Lowboy!" she called. "Lowboy's _It_. All-y all-y out's in free." Malay Kris crawled out from behind the clock, and the others appeared one by one. "Lowboy's _It_," said Hortense. Lowboy shut his eyes and began to count. Hortense seized Andy by the hand and ran with him up the stairs. "We'll hide in the attic," she whispered. Up and up they ran, softly opened the door to the attic, and hid behind a trunk in the corner. "They'll never find us," said Andy. They lay quiet and heard nothing for a long time. "Perhaps they've given up," said Andy. "Ssh!" Hortense whispered. Something was running very fast up the stairs. It did not stop at the top, but raced on to the ladder which reached to the cupola above. Hortense peeped out. On the sill of the open window above stood Jeremiah with arched back and swollen tail. His yellow eyes shone like lamps. "Of all things!" said Hortense. Then the Cat disappeared, and they heard the soft thud of his feet alighting on the roof. "We must see what he's up to," said Hortense. Followed by Andy, she ran to the ladder, scrambled to the top, and peered out. The Cat was perched on top of the chimney, looking this way and that. Hortense ducked her head in order not to be seen. "What do you suppose he's doing there?" she asked. "Perhaps something is after him," said Andy. From below came a slow scratching sound. Some heavy creature with claws was coming up the attic stairs. "Is it you, Alligator?" Hortense called. "Where's that Cat?" said Alligator in a determined voice. "I must have him." "He's on the roof," said Hortense, climbing down. "But what do you want him for?" "For supper," said Alligator in his harsh voice. "He'll be furry, but eat him I will." He started up the ladder.