Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

     Most cats are afraid of water, but the tabby mascot that sails the seas on board her Majesty’s ship Pallas is an exception. This cat has more of the habits of a muskrat than of the animals of her kind. From kittenhood it has had a marked fondness for water, and improves nearly every opportunity to swim and dive. Like all cats, it likes the flesh of fish, and does not wait for the cook to serve it. It has contracted the unique habit of diving off the side of the vessel whenever it wishes a fish dinner, and seldom comes to the surface without a good-sized fish in its mouth. It hunts its water game in much the same way that an ordinary cat hunts mice. Crouching on the deck, it peers over the side, ready to spring when its prey swims along, and then dives with unerring accuracy. This distinctively sailor cat is the pet of the officers and crew, and is regarded as the ship’s mascot. Its fame has spread throughout her Majesty’s realm, and crowds collect to watch its antics wherever the ship goes into port.