Although the most courageous of dogs, it could not be expected that Bravo would be so foolhardy as to make a stand against such odds. He paused a moment, with his mouth open, as the terrible old hen came at him; and then, seeing that the tide of battle was against him, he ran off as fast as he could to his master's door-step. But, though defeated, he showed his spirit by keeping up a frightful barking. The old hen and her chicks, however, were so stupid that they did not mind it much. Indeed, the old hen, with her family, came up so near to the door-step, that Bravo was obliged to make a second retreat. This he did with such success and good general-ship, that he escaped unhurt. Thus ended Bravo's first battle; and I think you will agree with me, that many a general with epaulets would not have done any better. UNCLE CHARLES. THE CATCHER CAUGHT. _First Sparrow_ (the one standing with both wings spread).--Oh, look here! Come all. See what has happened! Here is old Scratch-claw with his tail caught fast in the door. _Second Sparrow._--Where is he? Let me see. Oh, isn't this jolly! Halloo, Sparrows! Come and see. Come one, come all. _Third Sparrow._--That's the rascal that killed and ate three of my little ones. _Fourth Sparrow._--He came near catching me, the other day. Didn't he spit viciously when he saw me get out of his way? _Fifth Sparrow_ (the one on the ground).--How are you, old Sneezer? How are your folks? Don't you find yourself comfortable? [Illustration] _Pussy._--Siss-ss-siss-ss! Mee-ow? mee-ow! _Fifth Sparrow._--Oh! wouldn't you like to, though? Spit away, old fellow! It's music to us sparrows. _Sixth Sparrow._--You are the brute that killed my dear little Spotted-wing. _Seventh Sparrow._--He also murdered my precious little Twitterwit. _Eighth Sparrow._--He is a bad fellow; and it is not surprising he has come to grief. _Ninth Sparrow._--Pull away, old boy! Sha'n't we come and help you? I love you so, I would like a lock of your hair. _Tenth Sparrow_ (the one on the lowest bough).--Children, hush! It is not good sparrow morality to jeer at an enemy in affliction,--even a cat. _Fifth Sparrow._--O grandfather, you shut up your bill! Just you go within reach of his claws, and see what cat-gratitude is. _Tenth Sparrow._--My children, we must not exult over the pains even of an enemy. A cat has feelings. _Pussy._--Siss-hiss-hoo! Mee-ow! Fitt! Fitt! _Fifth Sparrow._--What a lovely voice! _Sixth Sparrow._--The expression of his face, too, how charming! _Tenth Sparrow._--Fly back, all of you, to your bushes and trees; for here comes a little boy who will see that Pussy is rescued. _First Sparrow._--Well, I wouldn't have missed this spectacle for a good deal. _Fifth Sparrow._--It is better than Barnum's exhibition any day. _First Sparrow._--Yes, and it costs us nothing.