said the Awkward Man . `` I go to it only about once in a blue moon . There was an old barrel there , upside down , one side resting on a block of wood . This morning I went to the barn to see about having some hay hauled home , and I had occasion to move the barrel . I noticed that it seemed to have been moved slightly since my last visit , and it was now resting wholly on the floor . I lifted it up -- and there was a cat lying on the floor under it . I had heard you had lost yours and I took it this was your pet . I was afraid he was dead at first . He was lying there with his eyes closed ; but when I bent over him he opened them and gave a pitiful little mew ; or rather his mouth made the motion of a mew , for he was too weak to utter a sound . '' `` Oh , poor , poor Paddy , '' said tender-hearted Cecily tearfully . `` He could n't stand , so I carried him home and gave him just a little milk . Fortunately he was able to lap it . I gave him a little more at intervals all day , and when I left he was able to crawl around . I think he 'll be all right , but you 'll have to be careful how you feed him for a few days . Do n't let your hearts run away with your judgment and kill him with kindness . '' `` Do you suppose any one put him under that barrel ? '' asked the Story Girl . `` No . The barn was locked . Nothing but a cat could get in .
I suppose he XXXXX under the barrel , perhaps in pursuit of a mouse , and somehow knocked it off the block and so imprisoned himself . ''
Do feed gave lost made noticed resting run took went