And when the joke came out , they had the best of it , for the weather happened to improve , and the rest of the voyage was prosperous . So , of course , they laid it all to the loss of the cat , and were more fixed in their belief than ever . We were sorry that poor old Imp met so sad a fate , but did not mourn him long , for he had not won our hearts as some of our other pets had . He was the last of the seven black cats , and we never had another ; for I really did feel as if there was something uncanny about them after my tragical experiences with Czar , Blot , Mother Bunch 's family , and the martyred Imp . V. ROSA 'S TALE . `` Now , I believe every one has had a Christmas present and a good time . Nobody has been forgotten , not even the cat , '' said Mrs. Ward to her daughter , as she looked at Pobbylinda , purring on the rug , with a new ribbon round her neck and the remains of a chicken bone between her paws . It was very late , for the Christmas-tree was stripped , the little folks abed , the baskets and bundles left at poor neighbors ' doors , and everything ready for the happy day which would begin as the clock struck twelve . They were resting after their labors , while the yule log burned down ; but the mother 's words reminded Belinda of one good friend who had received no gift that night . `` We 've forgotten Rosa ! Her mistress is away , but she shall have a present nevertheless . Late as it is , she will like some apples and cake and a Merry Christmas from the family . '' Belinda jumped up as she spoke , and , having collected such remnants of the feast as a horse would relish , she put on her hood , lighted a lantern , and trotted off to the barn . As she opened the door of the loose box in which Rosa was kept , she saw her eyes shining in the dark as she lifted her head with a startled air . Then , recognizing a friend , she rose and came rustling through the straw to greet her late visitor . She was evidently much pleased with the attention , and rubbed her nose against Miss Belinda gratefully , but seemed rather dainty , and poked over the contents of the basket , as if a little suspicious , though apples were her favorite treat . Knowing that she would enjoy the little feast more if she had company while she ate it , for Rosa was a very social beast , Miss Belinda hung up the lantern , and , sitting down on an inverted bucket , watched her as she munched contentedly . `` Now really , '' said Miss Belinda , when telling her story afterwards , `` I am not sure whether I took a nap and dreamed what follows , or whether it actually happened , for strange things do occur at Christmas time , as every one knows . `` As I sat there the town clock struck twelve , and the sound reminded me of the legend which affirms that all dumb animals are endowed with speech for one hour after midnight on Christmas eve , in memory of the animals about the manger when the blessed Child was born . '' ' I wish the pretty fancy was a fact , and our Rosa could speak , if only for an hour , because I am sure she has an interesting history , and I long to know it . '
`` I XXXXX this aloud , and to my utter amazement the bay mare stopped eating , fixed her intelligent eyes upon my face , and answered in a language I understood perfectly well , -- '' ` You shall know it , for whether the legend is true or not I feel as if I could confide in you and tell you all I feel .
Knowing am begin born kept rubbed said speak spoke telling