The old cat is always very reticent, and would not ask to be let out.
Her usual way of asking to have a door open is to tap upon it with her
paw. She scarcely ever meows.
We might have enlarged upon these incidents, but have simply told facts.
Outovplace.
There's a very strange country called Outovplace,
(I've been there quite often, have you?)
Where the people can't find the things they want,
And hardly know what to do.
If a boy's in a hurry, and wants his cap,
Or a basin to wash his face,
He never can find that on its nail,
Or this in its proper place.
His shoe hides far away under the lounge;
His handkerchief's gone astray;
Oh! how can a boy get off to school,
If he's always bothered this way?
Oh! a very queer country is Outovplace--
(Did you say you had been there?)
Then you've seen, like me, a slate on the floor
And a book upon the stair.
You think they are easy to find, at least!
O, yes! if they would but stay
Just there till they're wanted; but then they don't;
Alas! that isn't the way.
When a boy wants his hat, he sees his ball,
As plain as ever can be;
But when he has time for a game, not a sign
Of bat or a ball finds he.
Sometimes a good man is just off to the train,
(That is, it is time to go);
And he can't put his hand on his Sunday hat!
It surely must vex him, I know.
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