put up with almost anything now, to be Lord Mayor of London, and ride
in a fine coach, when I grow to be a man! Well, I will go back, and
think nothing of the cuffing and scolding of the old cook, if I am to
be Lord Mayor of London at last."

Dick went back, and was lucky enough to get into the house, and set
about his work, before the old cook came downstairs.

We must now follow Miss Puss to the coast of Africa. The ship with the
cat on board, was a long time at sea; and was at last driven by the
winds on a part of the coast of Barbary, where the only people were
the Moors, unknown to the English. The people came in great numbers to
see the sailors, because they were of different colour to themselves,
and treated them civilly; and, when they became better acquainted,
were very eager to buy the fine things that the ship was loaded with.

When the captain saw this, he sent patterns of the best things he had
to the king of the country; who was so much pleased with them, that he
sent for the captain to the palace. Here they were placed, as it is
the custom of the country, on rich carpets flowered with gold and
silver. The king and queen were seated at the upper end of the room;
and a number of dishes were brought in for dinner. They had not sat
long, when a vast number of rats and mice rushed in, and devoured all
the meat in an instant. The captain wondered at this, and asked if
these vermin were not unpleasant.

"Oh yes," said they, "very offensive, and the king would give half his
treasure to be freed of them, for they not only destroy his dinner, as
you see, but they assault him in his chamber, and even in bed, and so
that he is obliged to be watched while he is sleeping, for fear of