Stella was in despair . But Aunt Jamesina only laughed . `` Let them fight it out , '' she said tolerantly . `` They 'll make friends after a bit . Joseph needs some exercise -- he was getting too fat . And Rusty has to learn he is n't the only cat in the world . '' Eventually Joseph and Rusty accepted the situation and from sworn enemies became sworn friends . They slept on the same cushion with their paws about each other , and gravely washed each other 's faces . `` We 've all got used to each other , '' said Phil . `` And I 've learned how to wash dishes and sweep a floor . '' `` But you need n't try to make us believe you can chloroform a cat , '' laughed Anne . `` It was all the fault of the knothole , '' protested Phil . `` It was a good thing the knothole was there , '' said Aunt Jamesina rather severely . `` Kittens HAVE to be drowned , I admit , or the world would be overrun . But no decent , grown-up cat should be done to death -- unless he sucks eggs . '' `` You would n't have thought Rusty very decent if you 'd seen him when he came here , '' said Stella . `` He positively looked like the Old Nick . '' `` I do n't believe Old Nick can be so very , ugly '' said Aunt Jamesina reflectively . `` He would n't do so much harm if he was . I always think of him as a rather handsome gentleman . ''
Chapter XVII A Letter XXXXX Davy `` It 's beginning to snow , girls , '' said Phil , coming in one November evening , `` and there are the loveliest little stars and crosses all over the garden walk .
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