`` Guess I did n't , '' grumbled Joe , rubbing his knees , while Johnny added , with an exulting chuckle , -- `` He got a horrid scare and a right good scraping , for he did n't know any one was down there . Could n't go fishing either , he was so lame , and I had the cherries after all . Served him right , did n't it ? '' No answer was necessary , for the two lads indulged in a friendly scuffle among the hay-cocks , while Mrs. Grant went off to repeat the tale in the kitchen , whence the sound of a muffled roar soon assured me that Seth was enjoying the joke as well as the rest of us . XII . KITTY 'S CATTLE SHOW . Little Kitty was an orphan , and she lived in the poor-house , where she ran errands , tended babies , and was everybody 's servant . A droll , happy-hearted child , who did her best to be good , and was never tired of hoping that something pleasant would happen . She had often heard of Cattle Shows , but had never been to one , though she lived in a town where there was one every year . As October came , and people began to get ready for the show , Kitty was seized with a strong desire to go , and asked endless questions about it of old Sam , who lived in the house . `` Did you say anybody could go in for nothing if they took something to show ? '' she asked . `` Yes ; and them that has the best fruit , or cows , or butter , or whatever it is , they gets a premium , '' said Sam , chopping away . `` What 's a primmynum ? '' asked Kitty , forgetting to pick up chips , in her interest . `` It 's money ; some gets a lot , and some only a dollar , or so . '' `` I wish I had something nice to show , but I do n't own anything but puss , '' and the little girl stroked the plump , white kitten that was frisking all over her . `` Better send her ; she 's pretty enough to fetch a prize anywheres , '' said Sam , who was fond of both Kittys . `` Do they have cats there ? '' asked the child , soberly .
`` Ought to , if they do n't , for , if cats aint cattle , I do n't see what they be , '' and old XXXXX laughed , as if he had made a joke .
Grant Johnny KITTY Sam Seth errands hay-cocks poor-house primmynum right