He was jet black with a flat face and long white whiskers.

Johnny always said he resembled an old colored man who used to be their coachman, and he wondered if they were any relation to each other.
"When Bessie was out of her cage the cat did not often visit the parlor, because he was afraid of her.

He always appeared to be much relieved when she did not notice him.

If she had decided to take a ride, however, he never was quick enough to get away from her.

With a shrill laugh of triumph she would fly upon his back, and holding on by digging her claws into his fur, around and around the room they would go, the poor cat feeling so completely disgraced that he dragged his body lower and lower at every step, until his legs could scarcely be seen at all.
"Bessie enjoyed it greatly.