Short Stories » The Great Cat's Nursery

The Great Cat's Nursery - Page 3 of 6

"There are the homes of those dreadful wild men! They always have with them many dogs, and these will surely find my home and babies," she thought. Although her anxiety was now very great, and the desire to reach home almost desperate, she yet kept her animal coolness and caution. She took a winding ravine which brought her nearer to Bear-runs, and now and then she had to run swiftly across the openings to gain less exposed points.

At last she came to the old stream, and the crossing where the Bobtail Beaver had lived for as long as she knew anything about that country. Her dam was always in perfect order, and afforded an excellent bridge. To be sure, they had never been exactly on calling terms, but they had be- come accustomed to one another as neighbors, and especially whenever danger threatened upon the Bear-runs there was a certain sense of security and satisfaction to each in the presence of the other.

As she passed hurriedly over the dam she observed a trap. Igmu shivered as she recognized the article, and on a closer examination she detected the hated odor of man. She caught the string attached to it and jerked it out upon dry land, thus doing a good turn to her neighbor Sinteksa.

This discovery fully convinced her of the danger to her home and children. She picked her way through the deep woods, occasionally pausing to listen. At that time of the day no people talk except the winged people, and they were joyous as she passed through the timber. She heard the rushing of a water-fall over the cliff, now vibrating louder, now fainter as she listened. Far beyond, towards the wild men's camp, she heard the barking of a dog, which gave her a peculiar shiver of disgust.

A secret path led along the face of the cliff, and there was one open spot which she must cross to get to her den. "Phur-r-r!" she breathed, and dropped to the ground. There stood one of the dreaded wild men!

No sooner had she put her head out of the woods than his quick eye caught her.

'Igmutanka!" he exclaimed, and pulled one of the winged sticks out of his little bag.

Igmu was surprised for once, and fear almost overcame her. The danger to her children and the possible fate of her mate came into her mind in a flash. She hesitated for one instant, and in that instant she felt the sting of the swift arrow. She now ran for her life, and in another moment was out of sight among the gray ledges. "Ugh! I got her," muttered the Indian, as he examined the spot where she had stood.

Igmu never stopped until she reached her den. Her wild eyes gleamed as she paused at the entrance to ascertain whether any one had been there since she went away. When she saw and smelled that her home had not been visited, she forgot for the moment all her fright and pain. Her heart beat fast with joy the mother- joy. Hastily she crawled into the dark cave.

'Yaw-aw-aw!" was the mother's greeting to her tawny babes. 'Yaw-aw-aw!" they replied in chorus. She immediately laid herself down in the farthest corner of the den facing the entrance and invited her babies to come and partake of their food. Doubtless she was considering what she should do when the little ones had appeased their hunger.

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The Great Cat'S Nursery - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Cats can be great parents who take good care of their kittens.

The Great Cat'S Nursery - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Taking care of others and helping those in need can lead to wonderful friendships and a happier community.

The Great Cat'S Nursery - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Even in tough times, kindness and being resourceful can help us overcome challenges and bring people together.

3 Fun Facts

• The Great Cat has colorful kittens that are always happy and joyful.
• These playful kittens love to listen to bedtime stories and fall asleep while dreaming of adventures.
• The kittens' favorite time of day is when they gather around their mother to hear tales of bravery and fun.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did Mrs. Greeneyes decide to do with all the kittens at the nursery?
• How did the kittens feel about learning new things each day at the nursery?
• What did the kittens love to do after their lessons were over at the nursery?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What kind of place was the Great Cat's Nursery according to the story?
• What did the kittens do when they were in the Nursery?
• Who took care of all the kittens in the Great Cat's Nursery?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What inspired the animals on the farm to start a nursery for the kittens?
• How did the different animals contribute to the care and nurturing of the kittens in the nursery?
• What was the outcome of the collective effort by the farm animals in raising the kittens at the end of the story?