He was certain that a live animal of some kind had been in the water, and that he had nearly swallowed it.

This theory was confirmed when he saw the object which he spat out go bounding over the floor.

He pursued it, kicking a couple of chairs over while doing so, and at last he put his foot on it and held it.

Of course Mrs.Potts was wide awake by this time and scared nearly to death, and the baby was screaming at the top of its lungs.

Mrs.Potts got out of bed and turned up the gas, and said, "Mr.Potts, what in the name of common sense is the matter ?" "It's a mouse!" shouted Potts, in an excited manner.