I had been there only a little while, when I heard an unusual noise below, followed by an exclamation from Kitty-- "Oh! murderation! I can't cook the straddling thing.

I wonder what Mr.Smith brought it home alive for!" I was, of course, all attention now, and going to the top of the stairs, stood listening to what was going on below.
"There now.

Lie still!" I heard Kitty say.

This was followed by a rattling of tongs, or some other iron implements, and a rapid shuffling of feet.
Curious to know what was going on, I stepped lightly down the stairs, and through the open door had a full view of both Kitty and the lobster.
Live coals had been raked out upon the hearth.

Over these was placed a gridiron, and on this not very comfortable bed Kitty was endeavoring to force Mr.Lobster to lie still and be cooked.