The old lady with nine cats fed her furry felines, then left them to their own treacherous cat doings.
"I'll be home soon," she told them. And off she went to visit the fallen Chihuahua at the animal hospital.
His death defying hurtle in the courtyard took its toll on Chihuahua.
"Tell senor Big Eyes we are missing him very much," howled a brutish looking tabby. "For we have yet to finish pinning-the-tail on Chihuahua, and it is not fair that senor Big Eyes leave in the middle of so glorious an amusement as that. But tell him we are waiting - - with bated cat breath."
The stairwell echoed with cat howls as the old lady with nine cats made her way down the steps and into the street.
Chihuahua’s death defying hurtle took its toll on Alleycat, as well.
At the animal hospital, Alleycat had just finished lunch, and was resting comfortably. He was feeling well enough, though, to toss a soiled bedpan at the head of Chihuahua, who was sleeping soundly in the next bed. But, hampered by the number of bandages on his cat paws, the effort fell short of its target.
Chihuahua, meanwhile, was dreaming of the past.
In his dream he begs senor Butcher not to sell him to the old lady with nine cats. Senor Butcher's eyes well up with tears. He asks Chihuahua's forgiveness, and begs the mistreated Chihuahua to lash him with the old leather leash.
"Harder!" screams the butcher. "Punish me for my stupidity, senor Chihuahua! A dozen more lashes, senor . . . "
"Wake up, Chihuahua!" Alleycat shouted. "Please to wake up and see what misery you have inflicted on Alleycat. The very mice that once feared the name of Alleycat, now sit at my feet and point their devilish tongues at me. Look! Now they eat the crumbs from my plate! Oh, how I cry, for I am no more the 'Scarey Beast' from their nightmares. I am only 'Senor No Claws' from the hospital bed!"
Chihuahua lay undisturbed and continued to dream:
"Good morning, senor Chihuahua!" the butcher is saying. "I am so very sorry for being late with the breakfast, master, but I took liberties with your patience and left my station to purchase for you this fine lamb's wool sweater. What? I see. Perhaps you will like it better after breakfast? I see. Then perhaps I should return it while you think of a fine and proper punishment for the foolish senor Butcher? I see. Very well, then, master! Consider it done."
The butcher climbs down the long flight of stairs to his butcher's shop and places the following notice in the shop window:
Attention: Senor Butcher will now give you more than you bargained for. If you will be so kind as to bring all your dogs to my butcher shop, I will be most happy to cater to their every need, as well as to give you your purchase at half the price! Senor Butcher is very fond of all dogs. You have only to ask senor Chihuahua, the most benevolent of masters. Thank you, and be sure to set a place at the table for your favorite Chihuahua.
Humbly yours,
Senor Butcher
Chihuahua was in a deep sleep and smiling.
Everything was well and good in Chihuahua's dream world.