"Tickled all over," answered Mickey promptly.

"That bundle of dirty rags!" she scoffed.

"They are going to throw away the rags and wash her," said Mickey. "She's
getting her supper now."

"Sounds like lying," said the woman, "but mebby it ain't. Save me, I can't
see why anybody would want a kid at any time, let alone a reekin' bunch of
skin and crooked bones."

"You've known folks to want a dog, ain't you?" said Mickey. "Sure
something that can think and talk back must be a lot more amusing. I see
the parks are full of the rich folks dolling up the dogs, feeding them
candy and sending them out for an airing in their automobiles; so it's up
to the poor people to look after the homeless children, isn't it?"

"Do you know the folks that took her?"

"Sure I do!" said Mickey.

"Do you live close?" she persisted.

"Yes! I'm much obliged for your help, dearest lady. When you get home, go
up to the last attic back, and if there is anything there you want, help
yourself. Peaches don't need it now, while there's no one else. Thank you,
and good-bye. Don't fly before your wings grow, 'cause I know you'll feel
like trying to-night."

Mickey hurried back to his room. The milk bottle lay on the floor, the