It was rank meddling , but I do love meddling in a good cause . '' `` How did she take it ? '' asked Gilbert . `` Cried and said she ` did n't think . ' I says to her , says I , ` Do you s ` pose that 'll be held for a good excuse in the day of Jedgment , when you 'll have to account for that poor old mother 's life ? The Lord 'll ask you what He give you your brains for if it was n't to think , I reckon . ' I do n't fancy she 'll leave cats to starve another time . '' `` Was the First Mate one of the forsaken ? '' asked Anne , making advances to him which were responded to graciously , if condescendingly . `` Yes . I found HIM one bitter cold day in winter , caught in the branches of a tree by his durn-fool ribbon collar . He was almost starving . If you could have seen his eyes , Mistress Blythe ! He was nothing but a kitten , and he 'd got his living somehow since he 'd been left until he got hung up . When I loosed him he gave my hand a pitiful swipe with his little red tongue . He was n't the able seaman you see now . He was meek as Moses . That was nine years ago . His life has been long in the land for a cat . He 's a good old pal , the First Mate is . ''
`` I should have expected you to have a dog , '' XXXXX Gilbert .
Was ask forsaken held making s said says starving take