Puss in Boots

When a miller died, his eldest son received the mill, his second son a donkey, and his youngest son only a cat called Puss. The three brothers had to divide all their father had left.

The youngest son feared that a cat could not help him make a living. He had little money and no mill or donkey of his own.

“Give me a bag and a pair of boots,” said the cat, “and I will help you.” His master was astonished to hear him speak.

Remembering how cleverly his cat caught mice, the young man found him the bag and boots. He could not guess what would happen next.

Puss caught a rabbit for the king’s table and carried it to the palace. He had hidden food inside his bag and waited for a rabbit to enter.

“A gift from my master, the Marquis of Carabas,” said Puss, inventing a grand title for the miller’s son. A marquis was a nobleman, but his master was no such thing.