Buck and The Christmas Kitten]
It was a cold, snowy Christmas Eve and Buck and Ike were heading back to Emma's for Christmas dinner. ''It's cold enough to freeze Santa's whiskers, Buck''. I know, Ike. Let's hurry and get back to Emma's for a hot meal. ''You can say that again, Buck''. ''Do you hear that, Buck''? Yeah Ike, I hear it. But what is it? ''Sounds like a baby to me''. Let's go find out what it is, Ike. ''Okay, Buck''. Meow-meow! I hear it again, Ike. Looks like its coming from that basket over there. ''Well, open it then''. I am, Ike. ''It's a kitten, Buck''. I can see that, Ike. What are we gonna do with it? ''We can't leave it here, Buck''. You're right, Ike. We'll take it back to Emma's with us. I'm sure she won't mind. ''Do you know what kind it is, Buck''? I don't know, Ike. Here, you find out. ''It's a girl kitten, Buck. Alright, put her in the basket and let's get out of this cold. It was a long, cold ride back to Emma's with a meowing kitten in tow. I'll tell them, Ike. ''Okay, Buck''. I see you two got back safely. Hey, Emma. What kept you? Supper's almost ready. So, what kept you two? It's a short story, Kid. What's in the basket? Well, that's what kept us, Kid. Meow-meow! Is that what I think it is, Buck? Yes, Emma. It's a kitten. It's a cute little thing. Where did you find it? In an alley in town, Emma. Let me see, you two. Sure, Lou. It's kind of cute. Does it have a name? ''Her name is Mistletoe, Lou''. So the kitten's a girl, Ike? ''Yes''. What are you two going to do with her, Buck? Keep her, I guess. I'll get her some milk. Wait until Mr. Spoon sees her. She'll be good for the mice, too. I'm sure if I speak to Mr. Spoon, he'll let her stay in the barn. Where'd you get the idea for her name, Ike? ''Well, we found her on Christmas Eve so it kind of fit.'' Good idea, Ike. Supper is ready, everyone. And while they were eating Mistletoe came and jumped in Buck's lap resulting in laughter from the other riders and Emma. Looks like you've got a little tag along, Buck. Then I'd better keep her, then. This kitten likes you, Buck. And she trusts you, too. ''I always knew cats were good judges of character''. And Mistletoe the Christmas kitten stayed at the waystation with Buck and the other riders and Emma and she grew up to be the best mouser in the territory. - THE END