Wry and Royce compete in a wild game of "Steal the Straw"

The game begins with both competitors raising their left hand/paw to the straw. Somewhere, out of the frame, a fool has been hired to shout out the countdown to the beginning of the game, "And the frog hollered..." the fool begins... "one, two... three..."

"Go!" Wry snatches the straw away, to take the early lead...

...but Royce shoots out a lightning paw, snatches the straw...

...and pulls it into his teeth!

"Ha!" Wry shouts, as he jerks the straw away. Royce charges after, in hot pursuit.

Royce snatches the straw from Wry's paw!

Wry studies the situation and prepares to strike again. Wry is determined to get that straw back!

The two grapple for the straw, which has disappeared beneath them.

Royce hides the straw beneath his fur, then calmly pretends that it is not there. Wry will not be fooled.
Wry wants the straw, bad. Royce is nonchalant as he continues to pretend it is not there.

Using his head, Wry pushes Royce off the spot where he is certain the straw must be.

Royce fakes Wry out, gets up and dashes away. Where's the straw? Oh, no! It can't be there! The very idea is disgusting! But Wry is reaching for something... what... if not the straw?

They charge across the playing floor, and crash into Muzzy.

Wry emerges with the straw! Royce does not give up, but studies it with a cunning eye.

Royce grabs for the straw!

Royce grips the straw in his mouth...

The two competitors tug back and forth on the straw.

Royce pulls Wry practically off his feet...

Wry raises the straw! He is victorious! But why does Royce look so calm?

As we know, Royce is always looking for love. Could it be that he knew all along that in losing he would win that which he desires most?