She was very thin, and for several days after getting home she slept the most of the time.
Malta did not like dogs, but she was very good to cats.

One day, when there was no one about and the garden was very quiet, I saw her go stealing into the stable, and come out again, followed by a sore-eyed, starved-looking cat, that had been deserted by some people that lived in the next street.

She led this cat up to her catnip bed, and watched her kindly, while she rolled and rubbed herself in it.

Then Malta had a roll in it herself, and they both went back to the stable.
Catnip is a favorite plant with cats, and Miss Laura always kept some of it growing for Malta.
For a long time this sick cat had a home in the stable.

Malta carried her food every day and after a time Miss Laura found out about her and did what she could to make her well.