When Fido and Mamma Cat had circled the barn two or three times Fido managed to find the hole and escape to the yard; then Mamma Cat came over to the basket and saw all the dolls.

“I’m s’prised at you, Mamma Cat!” said Raggedy Ann, “Fido has been watching your kittens for an hour while you were away.  He wouldn’t hurt them for anything!”

“I’m sorry, then,” said Mamma Cat.

“You must trust Fido, Mamma Cat!” said Raggedy Ann, “because he loves you and anyone who loves you can be trusted!”

“That’s so!” replied Mamma Cat.  “Cats love mice, too, and I wish the mice trusted us more!”

The dolls all laughed at this joke.

“Have you told the folks up at the house about your dear little kittens?” Raggedy Ann asked.

“Oh, my, no!” exclaimed Mamma Cat.  “At the last place I lived the people found out about my kittens and do you know, all the kittens disappeared!  I intend keeping this a secret!”

“But all the folks at this house are very kindly people and would dearly love your kittens!” cried all the dolls.

“Let’s take them right up to the nursery!” said Raggedy Ann, “And Mistress can find them there in the morning!”

“How lovely!” said all the dolls in chorus.  “Do, Mamma Cat!  Raggedy Ann knows, for she is stuffed with nice clean white cotton and is very wise!”

So after a great deal of persuasion, Mamma Cat finally consented.  Raggedy Ann took two of the kittens and carried them to the house while Mamma Cat carried the other.

Raggedy Ann wanted to give the kittens her bed, but Fido, who was anxious to prove his affection, insisted that Mamma Cat and the kittens should have his nice soft basket.

[Illustration]

The dolls could hardly sleep that night; they were so anxious to see what Mistress would say when she found the dear little kittens in the morning.

Raggedy Ann did not sleep a wink, for she shared her bed with Fido and he kept her awake whispering to her.

In the morning when Marcella came to the nursery, the first thing she saw was the three little kittens.

She cried out in delight and carried them all down to show to Mamma and Daddy.  Mamma Cat went trailing along, arching her back and purring with pride as she rubbed against all the chairs and doors.

Mamma and Daddy said the kittens could stay in the nursery and belong to Marcella, so Marcella took them back to Fido’s basket while she hunted names for them out of a fairy tale book.

Marcella finally decided upon three names; Prince Charming for the white kitty, Cinderella for the Maltese and Princess Golden for the kitty with the yellow stripes.

So that is how the three little kittens came to live in the nursery.

And it all turned out just as Raggedy Ann had said, for her head was stuffed with clean white cotton, and she could think exceedingly wise thoughts.