Before you're ready to heave it, there won't be a cat within aim.
"'Then as to judgment and knowledge of the world, why dogs are babies to 'em.

Have you ever tried telling a yarn before a cat, sir ?' "I replied that cats had often been present during anecdotal recitals of mine, but that, hitherto, I had paid no particular attention to their demeanour.
"'Ah, well, you take an opportunity of doing so one day, sir,' answered the old fellow; 'it's worth the experiment.

If you're telling a story before a cat, and she don't get uneasy during any part of the narrative, you can reckon you've got hold of a thing as it will be safe for you to tell to the Lord Chief Justice of England.
"'I've got a messmate,' he continued; 'William Cooley is his name.

We call him Truthful Billy.

He's as good a seaman as ever trod quarter-deck; but when he gets spinning yarns he ain't the sort of man as I could advise you to rely upon.