his hundred and one teapots!"



CHAPTER XI

BERTRAM HAS VISITORS


Spunk did not change his name; but that was perhaps the only thing that
did not meet with some sort of change during the weeks that immediately
followed Billy's arrival. Given a house, five men, and an ironbound
routine of life, and it is scarcely necessary to say that the advent
of a somewhat fussy elderly woman, an impulsive young girl, and a
very-much-alive small cat will make some difference. As to Spunk's
name--it was not Mrs. Stetson's fault that even that was left
undisturbed.

Mrs. Stetson early became acquainted with Spunk. She was introduced
to him, indeed, on the night of her arrival--though fortunately not
at table: William had seen to it that Spunk did not appear at dinner,
though to accomplish this the man had been obliged to face the amazed
and grieved indignation of the kitten's mistress.

"But I don't see how any one CAN object to a nice clean little cat at
the table," Billy had remonstrated tearfully.

"I know; but--er--they do, sometimes," William had stammered; "and this
is one of the times. Aunt Hannah would never stand for it--never!"