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+Project Gutenberg's The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress, by J. D. Williams
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress
+       A Book for Boys and Girls Setting Forth the Adventures of
+       Tiny Red Squirrel and Chatty Chipmunk
+
+Author: J. D. Williams
+
+Illustrator: H. Wood
+
+Release Date: September 23, 2017 [EBook #55609]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SQUIRREL'S PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by MFR, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber’s Notes:
+
+Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tiny Redsquirrel
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+_The_ SQUIRREL’S PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
+
+
+  _A Book for Boys and Girls_
+
+  BY J. D. WILLIAMS
+
+  Setting Forth the Adventures of Tiny Red Squirrel and Chatty Chipmunk
+
+  And describing Miss Hare’s School; Red Squirrel, Chipmunk, Reynard
+  Fox, Pussy Cat, and Other Students, as well as Mr. Wise Owl, a
+  Director of the School, and Billy Beaver, the Janitor.
+
+  FIFTY ILLUSTRATIONS BY H. WOOD (FIVE COLORED PLATES)
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  CHICAGO LAIRD & LEE, Inc., PUBLISHERS
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY LAIRD & LEE, Inc.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  And Nature, the old nurse, took
+    The child upon her knee.
+  Saying, “Here is a story-book
+    Thy father has written for thee.”
+             --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
+
+Once on a time a little boy was taken from the noise and bustle of city
+life to a sparsely settled land where a great forest stretched away in
+every direction. To this land his parents came to make a home in the
+heart of the deep wood. A large log house had been built in an open
+space from which great oaks, beeches, maples and other trees had been
+removed, and here, surrounded by nature’s forms and activities, they
+lived many years.
+
+What a delightful experience this was to this little boy! How wonderful
+this new world seemed to him! Here were flowers of every hue, bees,
+birds, butterflies, and many other interesting things to excite his
+childish wonder. He soon learned the names of the shrubs, the trees,
+the wild fruits and the flowers; and the habits of the honey gatherers,
+the feathered folk, and the little animals of the wood.
+
+This story has its foundation in these experiences and was written
+in the hope that it will prove interesting and instructive to many
+children. It teaches its young readers to see material things as they
+really are, so that the early impressions shall always be the true
+ones; it teaches them to apply the same habit of careful observation
+to language forms and constructions, so they shall know how thoughts
+must be expressed, and more than that, how they may be expressed
+beautifully. It is believed that it will influence them to observe
+nature’s works closely--the beauty in the dense foliage of spring,
+in the myriad forms of life, in nest building and bird music, in the
+vitality of growth, in the sweet beneficence of the universal mother,
+so that they may come to know
+
+  “There are tongues in trees,
+   Books in the running brooks,
+   Sermons in stones,
+   And good in everything.”
+
+Acknowledgments are due to Wilber Hershel Williams for assistance
+in the preparation of this volume; to Frances Squire Potter, James
+S. Greenwood, and Z. C. Spencer for literary criticism and helpful
+suggestions.
+
+J. D. W.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER                                  PAGE
+
+      I. INTRODUCING TINY REDSQUIRREL         7
+
+     II. TINY GOES TO SEEK WINTER STORES     12
+
+    III. HIS FIRST ADVENTURE                 17
+
+     IV. INTRODUCING MR. WISE OWL            23
+
+      V. A LESSON FROM THE ANTS              30
+
+     VI. MEETING MR. FROG                    34
+
+    VII. HIS ADVENTURE WITH QUEEN BEE        37
+
+   VIII. THE PORCUPINE SCARES TINY           44
+
+     IX. MEETING WITH THE BLACK GIANT        49
+
+      X. TINY THE HERO OF SQUIRRELTOWN       58
+
+     XI. THE MAYOR CALLS ON TINY             65
+
+    XII. MR. OWL INTERRUPTS A SPEECH         69
+
+   XIII. HE TAKES TINY TO SCHOOL             77
+
+    XIV. TINY GETS ACQUAINTED                85
+
+     XV. SCHOOL DAYS EXPERIENCES             95
+
+    XVI. MR. OWL VISITS THE SCHOOL          101
+
+   XVII. TINY’S CORRESPONDENCE              108
+
+  XVIII. MISS HARE ON GRAMMAR               116
+
+    XIX. STUDYING NATURE                    124
+
+     XX. TINY HELPS WITH TEACHER’S LETTERS  134
+
+    XXI. OPOSSUM AND CATERPILLAR            140
+
+   XXII. GRADUATION EXERCISES               147
+
+  XXIII. THE STUDENTS START FOR HOME        158
+
+   XXIV. TINY IS APPOINTED MAYOR            168
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  Squirreltown               _Frontispiece_
+
+  Go Away!                                9
+
+  How Can You Sleep On a Day Like This?  12
+
+  Splash! Chatty Fell Into the Creek     16
+
+  Tiny and Chatty Meet the Raccoon       19
+
+  Tiny Meets Mr. Owl                     23
+
+  Watching the Ants Build a House        31
+
+  Learns a Lesson from the Spider        34
+
+  Meeting with Mr. Toad                  36
+
+  Rescues the Queen Bee                  37
+
+  “Hist!” Cried the Ogre                 45
+
+  Tiny Conquers the Porcupine            47
+
+  The Bear Falls from the Tree           51
+
+  The Bees Rescue Tiny from the Bear     54
+
+  Tiny Returns to Squirreltown           58
+
+  Brings Food to His Hungry Mother       60
+
+  Tiny Is Ill--The Mayor Calls           65
+
+  The Story of the Fable                 68
+
+  Tiny Makes a Speech                    69
+
+  Mr. Owl Lectures Tiny                  71
+
+  He Takes Tiny to School                78
+
+  Mr. Beaver Shows Tiny to His Room      80
+
+  Tiny Meets Mr. Redfox                  82
+
+  The Janitor Awakens the Pupils         85
+
+  Miss Hare’s School                     87
+
+  Tiny Gives Miss Hare an Acorn          90
+
+  Tiny and Winkie Run a Race             95
+
+  Tiny Prepares for Graduation          101
+
+  The Owl Prophet Visits the School     103
+
+  He Hardly Knew Tiny                   106
+
+  The Pigeon Mail Carrier               108
+
+  Reynard Is Sick                       116
+
+  Chatty Chipmunk Appears               125
+
+  The Panther Gives Them a Scare        126
+
+  Mrs. Badger and the Bees              128
+
+  Tiny Assists the Teacher              134
+
+  Mr. Opossum                           141
+
+  Shifty Woodchuck Wants Help           148
+
+  Sammy Rabbit’s Composition            151
+
+  Tiny’s Speech Wins the Prize          155
+
+  The Encounter with the Lynx           162
+
+  In Deertown                           164
+
+  Running from a Wildcat                166
+
+  Celebration in Squirreltown           172
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: SQUIRRELTOWN.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tiny Redsquirrel
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Have you ever heard of Squirreltown? It is a town of quaint homes in
+the woods, in which little animals live together as contentedly as
+though they were human beings. The whole town is roofed over by leafy
+bowers, and carpeted with wild flowers. All day long butterflies flit
+about in the shimmering sunlight, and by night thousands of fairies
+come out to dance in the pale moonlight.
+
+In this town there once dwelt a young red squirrel named Tiny. He lived
+with his mother near the top of an oak tree. Mrs. Redsquirrel was a
+poor but industrious widow. Although red squirrels are said to be the
+most mischievous animals of the forest, she had taught Tiny to conduct
+himself in a proper way. In fact, he was much better behaved than
+Chatty Chipmunk, who lived in the ground at the foot of the tree.
+
+One morning early in the autumn, while the weather was yet warm, Tiny’s
+mother said to him, “You must bestir yourself, Tiny! Now is the time to
+gather acorns, seeds, and other food for the winter.”
+
+As he sat sipping water from a hollow acorn, he observed how anxiously
+his mother gazed at him. “Why do you look so sad?” he asked.
+
+“I am getting too old to work,” she answered, and she wiped the tears
+from her black eyes. Then abruptly she turned to look through the
+window. It was a small hole covered with a silken curtain that had been
+woven by a spider.
+
+“Please don’t cry, mother,” implored Tiny. He put down his acorn, went
+over to his mother and drew her down upon a little couch made of moss.
+“I am willing to work hard to support you. Perhaps some day I shall
+become great. Who can tell?”
+
+“But I want you to have a fine education,” said his mother, looking
+with pride at her son, “and we have no good schools!”
+
+“Perhaps a fairy may find me a good school. I can work to pay my way!”
+cheerfully suggested Tiny. “I have heard that those who do this make
+the best students.” He fanned his mother with a small peacock feather.
+He thought that she might drop into a doze, for he knew that she had
+not been sleeping much of late, but just then a persistent rapping at
+the tree began.
+
+“It must be Mr. Woodpecker,” said Mrs. Redsquirrel with a sigh. “Every
+day he comes over to rap this tree. The noise makes my head ache.”
+
+“Please sit still. I’ll go outside to see what he wants,” said Tiny,
+hastening from the room.
+
+“Hello!” he cried lustily.
+
+Mr. Woodpecker did not answer. He was digging his long, straight,
+pointed beak into the bark of the tree. His stiff tail was spread out
+to prop his body, for woodpeckers would not be such good climbers if
+they had no tails. He was black and white, and wore a jaunty scarlet
+cap.
+
+“Sir,” said Tiny, “You annoy my mother. Furthermore, Mr. Graysquirrel,
+who owns this tree, will make you pay dearly for all the damage you are
+doing to his property.”
+
+“Ha, ha!” laughed Mr. Woodpecker, turning his head to one side and
+looking down at the squirrel. “I am not destroying property. I am
+digging into the bark to find insects. Mr. Graysquirrel, your landlord,
+told me that I might have all I could find. He said it was they who
+greatly annoy his tenants. Pardon me for disturbing your mother.”
+
+[Illustration: “GO AWAY AND DO NOT COME BACK AGAIN,” COMMANDED TINY.]
+
+“Go away! and do not come back again,” commanded Tiny, vexed at the
+bird’s display of good humor. “Hush, Tiny!” called Mrs. Redsquirrel,
+thrusting her dainty nose through the window. “I am glad that Mr.
+Woodpecker is so kind as to destroy those horrid insects. I thought at
+first that he was tapping the tree because he wished to trouble me. We
+animals are always ready to imagine disagreeable things.”
+
+Tiny came back into the house and to cover his chagrin began to get the
+storeroom in order.
+
+His mother gathered up the nut-shell cups and placed them in a
+hollow gourd. As they worked she talked. “Mr. Woodpecker is a clever
+creature,” she said. “I never before saw a bird that could use his bill
+with such ease and swiftness.”
+
+Tiny did not reply. He was thinking very hard, and the idea that he was
+going to support his mother made him feel very important.
+
+“Woodpeckers do a great deal of good by destroying grubs and insects,”
+his mother went on. “I have heard that in a far-away land there lives
+one kind that feeds chiefly on acorns, and stores them away for the
+winter as squirrels do. They make small holes in the soft bark of dead
+trees and place the acorns in these holes by pounding them with their
+bills.”
+
+“Now I am ready to start,” interrupted Tiny. “Perhaps I can get Chatty
+Chipmunk to go with me.”
+
+“If you do, don’t let him lead you into bad company!” warned Mrs.
+Redsquirrel. “He is very mischievous. He causes his parents much
+trouble.”
+
+At that moment Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel came running into the
+room, without stopping to knock at the door.
+
+“Good morning, Mrs. Redsquirrel,” said Peggy.
+
+“We are going over to the Beech Hotel to spend the day with the
+Blacksquirrel family,” said Bushy, too much excited to draw a long
+breath. “Come along with us, Tiny. We will play ripple.”
+
+“What is ripple?” asked Mrs. Redsquirrel.
+
+“Oh, it is a fine game!” exclaimed Peggy. “All the squirrels get out on
+the bough of a tree. Each one throws a nut or a pebble into the brook,
+and the one that makes the biggest circle gets the prize.”
+
+“Do you want to go, Tiny?” asked his mother.
+
+“No, mother,” said Tiny bravely. “I like to play ripple, but I must
+gather our winter store before the cold rains begin.”
+
+“Please come with us,” coaxed pretty Bushy, flashing her dark eyes
+straight into his own.
+
+“I cannot go,” he declared stolidly, turning his back upon her.
+
+“Is he really going to work?” asked Bushy, looking from one to the
+other in a bewildered way.
+
+“Yes, I am going,” replied Tiny, and he took down his hunting bag from
+the wall.
+
+Another moment a little red squirrel ran down the tree and was lost to
+view.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Tiny went to the home of Chatty Chipmunk. The Chipmunks do not like the
+trees or the air or the sunshine as the Redsquirrel family do. Like
+most animals of their kind, they live in the ground.
+
+Tiny entered the door and passed through a hall several feet in length.
+At the further end of the hall was a small opening which led to a room
+but little larger than the shell of a cocoanut. Chatty was alone, fast
+asleep.
+
+[Illustration: “HOW CAN YOU SLEEP ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY LIKE THIS?”]
+
+“How can you sleep on a beautiful day like this!” cried Tiny, playfully
+pulling Chatty’s whiskers.
+
+“I was only taking a nap,” sleepily responded Chatty. “My parents and
+brothers are out in the beech trees. I wanted to have a good rest, so
+I stayed at home. I cannot sleep well at night, because our house is
+crowded.”
+
+“I am going out to gather our winter store,” said Tiny. “Don’t you want
+to come with me?”
+
+“I should very much like to go, thank you,” returned Chatty, although
+he had refused to go with his family. “But you see, I cannot work hard
+when I work, though I can work hard when I play.”
+
+They soon left the chipmunk home and started forth on their journey.
+They had not gone very far before Chatty began to complain.
+
+“The sun is very warm, and it makes me drowsy,” said he. “How I do
+dislike to work! I am glad that I am not a beaver, for beavers work all
+the time.”
+
+“I should think you would wish to help your family,” said Tiny. “What
+will become of you in the winter if you do not have plenty of food?”
+
+“I will sleep all the time,” replied the chipmunk, yawning drowsily.
+
+He was about to lie down to rest, when he espied a great yellow
+butterfly with wings that shone like gold. She was fast asleep upon a
+thistle.
+
+Chatty dashed after her, but she flew from thistle to bush and flower,
+not at all frightened. After he had tired himself running, he sat down,
+panting.
+
+“Your winter store will soon be gathered if you spend as much energy
+in working as you have in running,” said Tiny, his eyes twinkling.
+
+“It is great sport to chase butterflies,” said Chatty. “They are such
+stupid creatures, yet they are very pretty. Who ever heard of sleeping
+on a thistle?”
+
+“I think it would be much more comfortable than to sleep in a hole in
+the ground,” replied Tiny. “Mother said that butterflies always seem
+to match the seasons.” Tiny, without knowing it, began to imitate his
+mother’s voice and her way of talking. He spoke more slowly than she
+did, however, for he was trying hard to remember all she had told him
+about the pretty things. “When the world is still brown and bleak and
+the spring sun is beginning to warm things into life, the brown and
+black butterflies come. Then, when the violets spread carpets over the
+vales and in the woodlands, the blue butterflies appear. In summer
+come the queenly swallow-tail butterflies, clad in red, copper, and
+burnished silver. Often one dressed in pure white may be seen, for
+white is very comfortable to wear in warm weather. It reflects the hot
+rays of the sun. In the autumn the yellow and orange butterflies are
+more numerous. They are the color of the goldenrod and the sunflowers
+and the brown-eyed Susans. The yellow butterflies like to sip the honey
+from the yellow flowers, but the white butterflies seem to prefer the
+white clover. They are the most beautiful of all insects. Their four
+wings are colored on both sides. When they rest, their wings stand
+straight up and do not fold.”
+
+“Butterflies are very queer animals,” said Chatty ungraciously. He was
+vexed with butterflies, because he knew so little about them. “Why do
+they sleep with their wings held high above their heads? I should think
+they would get so sound asleep that they would forget to hold them up.”
+
+“It is natural for them to hold up their wings,” laughed Tiny. “Do you
+forget to breathe when you are sound asleep?”
+
+“Of course not,” retorted Chatty, “nor do I forget to eat when I am
+hungry. However, I cannot see why the butterfly sleeps in such a silly
+position.”
+
+“Some of them slowly open and shut their wings all the time they are
+asleep,” explained Tiny. “I never knew another creature that sleeps
+so gracefully as the butterfly does. I would rather take a nap on a
+thistle in the sunshine than roll up in a fluffy ball and sleep in a
+dark hole in the ground. You must not criticise those whose customs are
+different from yours. Perhaps the butterfly is quite as much amused at
+you.”
+
+“There she goes again!” cried Chatty, suddenly. “I wish I were a
+flying-squirrel, that I might catch her. Wait a moment until I frighten
+her again.”
+
+Chatty began to chase the butterfly once more. He was accustomed to
+running without looking where he was going, so he did not see the
+danger that awaited him.
+
+[Illustration: SPLASH! CHATTY FELL INTO THE CREEK AND DISAPPEARED FROM
+SIGHT.]
+
+Splash! Chatty fell into the creek and disappeared from sight. The
+butterfly flew safely across the stream.
+
+Tiny was not alarmed, for he knew that his companion could swim. Soon
+the chipmunk’s little nose appeared above the water. After a great deal
+of splashing, he reached the bank of the stream, very much chagrined.
+
+“I think I must have been more scared than the butterfly was,” he
+admitted, as he shook his fur. “I am as tired as I can be and as wet as
+a fish. Where is the butterfly?”
+
+“Over on yonder blue-flag, fast asleep,” said Tiny.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Chatty smiled foolishly and Tiny laughed heartily. The butterfly rested
+a long time. Then she flew away. The birds chattered gayly as the sun
+smiled brightly. The brook gurgled with glee and flowed merrily on.
+The chipmunk seemed wide awake after his drenching. For a half hour he
+scurried briskly along.
+
+“Not far away some fine blackberries grow on low bushes,” he said. “We
+will find them and feast until dusk. When we become sleepy we will nap
+for a while.”
+
+“We have wandered from our path,” protested Tiny. “We are lost!”
+
+“Nonsense!” exclaimed Chatty. “Someone will show us the way home.
+Squirreltown is the greatest city in the world.”
+
+“Do you remember those hunters who passed through Squirreltown not long
+ago?” asked Tiny. “They said that London is the largest city in the
+world. The East contains many great cities.”
+
+“You are dreaming,” laughed the chipmunk. “I have heard of every large
+city. Squirreltown has the most inhabitants, and Gray Fox Center comes
+next. How many squirrels live in London?”
+
+“London is filled with people, not with squirrels. Those hunters that
+frightened us the other day are people. They live in houses,” explained
+Tiny.
+
+“How I should dislike London!” cried Chatty. “Do all people look as
+fierce as those hunters? I thought that hunters dwelt in holes in the
+ground. I supposed that they played in the trees and wandered about
+with huge guns and frightened little animals for amusement. I imagine
+that people must look very much like bears.”
+
+“Many of them do,” assented Tiny with a wise nod. “However, they do
+not walk on four legs, but straight up like storks. We must roam no
+farther. Let us gather these beech nuts and collect them in little
+heaps.”
+
+“No, indeed,” said his companion, as he rose from his couch. “I want
+some blackberries.”
+
+“O Chatty, an odd-looking animal comes from the trunk of that hollow
+tree. It is a bear!” cried Tiny.
+
+“Oh!” gasped Chatty. His eyes opened wide with fear and surprise. “We
+must hide.”
+
+For a moment they gazed at the stranger who stood before them. He
+sniffed the grass that grew around a stump, but watched them steadily.
+The little foragers remained quite still and struggled for courage.
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE FORAGERS REMAINED QUITE STILL AND STRUGGLED
+FOR COURAGE.]
+
+“Be calm,” said the queer creature in a friendly voice. “I am hunting
+for something green and tender. Fear not, for I never attack such small
+creatures as you.”
+
+“What are you, sir?” asked Tiny, remembering his mother’s instructions
+to speak courteously.
+
+“I am a raccoon and I live in that hollow tree,” said the animal. “I
+once dwelt in a village which lies a hundred miles away. Leachburg is
+its name. The inhabitants called me Brother Raccoon. My given name
+is Sambo, my wife’s name is Serena, and we named our sons Simon and
+Solomon. Formerly I was a pet in a family of people. While with them I
+learned a number of pretty names for children, as well as many other
+things.”
+
+“Tell us something about people,” requested Tiny, drawing nearer. At
+last he stood face to face with the raccoon.
+
+“People live a long time if they take good care of their health,”
+began Brother Raccoon. “The baby of this family was four years of age.”
+
+Tiny and Chatty laughed outright. The speaker smiled good-naturedly.
+
+“He was surely a backward baby,” chuckled Chatty. “The mayor of
+Squirreltown is four years of age and he is very old.”
+
+“Little people are generally happy,” continued the raccoon. “They have
+everything their hearts desire. I wish that my little ones had such
+good fortune. Alas! we watch Simon and Solomon all the time. They
+seldom go out of the house except after night. Little people stay
+indoors all night, but little raccoons do not.”
+
+“What lovely times little raccoons must have!” cried Chatty. “If I
+were one of them I would run about all night, especially when it is
+moonlight. Mother sends me to bed before sunset.”
+
+“No one has more anxiety than a raccoon,” declared the stranger. He
+blinked his eyes, which were black and shiny. There were white rings
+around them. “Our midnight prowls often cause us great trouble.
+Sometimes the raccoons go into the cornfields. While they are eating
+corn, a pack of dogs appears and drives them back to the woods. Before
+the poor raccoons can hide, the men with their guns attack them.”
+
+“You should not steal the farmer’s corn,” reproved Tiny. “Thieves
+deserve punishment.”
+
+“Yes, but the farmer does not treat us right,” replied the raccoon
+bitterly. “He steals our fur and eats our flesh. He deceives us and
+slays us. He does all sorts of mean things.”
+
+“I am sorry for you,” said Tiny. “Why should little animals of the
+forest suffer from the acts of mankind? Are you never safe from harm?”
+
+“No,” continued the raccoon. “Our flesh and fur are so fine that these
+terrible people hunt for us by day and by night. One evening I was in a
+field of corn which was green and tempting. A party of noisy creatures
+called boys came to the field. They chased me back into the forest.
+I was so little that I stumbled and fell. A dog caught me. Before he
+could hurt me, a small boy seized me and carried me in a bag to his
+home. He placed me in a cage.
+
+“The boy’s name was Teddy Root. He greatly admired my dainty feet and
+grayish-brown fur. I became so tame that they gave me much freedom. I
+soon lost my fear of people. Sometimes they scolded me, because I stole
+into the pantry and helped myself to milk, sugar, lard, and butter. I
+did not know that I had done wrong. Teddy took cookies from the pantry
+without first asking his mother’s permission, so I thought I could do
+so, too. However, I yearned for my home in the deep forest. One day I
+ran away.
+
+“I wandered a long time before I found the stump that had sheltered me
+during my early days. My family had departed. I was alone, but I made
+the old house comfortable, and soon forgot my troubles. I preferred a
+stump to a gilded cage. One night a party of raccoons went out on an
+excursion to a cornfield. They took me with them. It was then that I
+met my mate, Serena. Life is happier now than it ever has been before.”
+
+“We thank you for the story of your life,” said Tiny. “Now show us the
+way to Squirreltown.”
+
+“I have never heard of such a place,” replied the raccoon, after he had
+thought hard for a few moments.
+
+“It is the largest city in the world and it is a very important one,
+too,” snapped Chatty. He was vexed at the stranger’s ignorance.
+
+“You are wrong,” said the raccoon as he shook his head doubtfully. “I
+know that Coontown is much larger. You must ask some other animal to
+show you the way.”
+
+“Thank you,” said Tiny. He never forgot the value of politeness,
+although Chatty often did. “We must hasten home.”
+
+“Oh, why did you speak about those blackberries?” he continued, as he
+turned to Chatty. “We have lost our way. I fear dear mother grieves for
+me.”
+
+“It was no fault of mine that Mr. Raccoon stopped us to tell the stupid
+story of his life,” retorted Chatty. “See the acorns under the tree.
+Some kind fairy knew that we were coming and threw them down.”
+
+Chatty ate greedily, while Tiny swiftly climbed to the top of a huge
+oak tree and gazed all about him. Nowhere could he see the friendly
+treetops of Squirreltown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Tiny sat for a long time in the top of the tree and looked away as far
+as his eyes could see. In the distance rose the big yellow moon. It
+shone brightly upon the treetops of the great forest, yet he could not
+see Squirreltown.
+
+At last he began to descend slowly, almost frightening to death a tree
+toad that was hopping about on its little velvet toes among the green
+branches.
+
+[Illustration: TINY’S BUSHY TAIL STIFFENED WITH FRIGHT.]
+
+Tiny’s bushy tail stiffened with fright when he heard a loud, whirring
+sound and a shrill cry from the branch over his head. Two big yellow
+eyes glared at him through the dense foliage. They scared him so that
+he could not scamper away.
+
+“Hoot! hoot!” cried the dreadful creature. “Why are you prowling around
+my castle at this time of night? Don’t you know that I am a horned owl?
+I like to eat rabbits, squirrels, and mice.”
+
+“I did not mean to disturb you, sir,” said Tiny politely, although
+his teeth chattered and his limbs refused to move. “My name is Tiny
+Redsquirrel. I have lost my way. Can you tell me where to find
+Squirreltown?”
+
+“I wish I knew where it is,” said the owl, “for it wouldn’t take me
+long to put an end to it. Come closer that we may have a little chat. I
+like squirrels.”
+
+“Mr. Owl, I know that it would not be prudent for me to get closer to
+you,” said Tiny, without moving a step. “I want everyone to like me,
+but I do not want them to like me well enough to eat me.”
+
+“Well spoken!” cried the owl, clapping his wings and screeching loudly.
+“A fairy told me, Tiny, that you were coming to my castle. I promised
+her that I would not hurt you. Tell me what gift you desire above all
+things else.”
+
+“A good education,” replied Tiny promptly.
+
+“Fine!” exclaimed the owl. “Of course, squirrels cannot expect to know
+very much. Red squirrels are too mischievous to learn a great deal.
+They worry robins in their nests, frighten field mice, steal from the
+farmer’s granary, and spring the traps that hunters set for martens.
+Can you tell me who is the wisest of all living creatures?”
+
+“I think it must be the donkey,” said Tiny after hesitating a few
+moments.
+
+“The donkey is as stupid as a stump,” said the owl impatiently. “What
+makes you think that the donkey is the wisest of all creatures?”
+
+“An animal that makes so much noise must be very wise,” answered the
+innocent squirrel.
+
+“When you are older, you will learn that the wisest creatures seldom
+make any noise at all,” said the owl with a sage toss of his head. “The
+donkey is most unlike the animal that represents wisdom, and he--”
+
+“Perhaps the wisest animal is the loon,” interrupted the squirrel.
+
+Tiny had never heard the expression “crazy as a loon,” or he would not
+have made such an absurd guess.
+
+The owl laughed again. “Poor little squirrel,” he continued, “you are
+much in need of an education, and I will help you to realize your wish.
+An old loon lives two hundred yards from here in some dry muck on the
+ruins of an old muskrat house. Whenever she tries to avoid danger, she
+always runs the wrong way and jumps into it. Her legs are placed so
+far back beneath her body that she cannot walk very long at a time
+without toppling over. When she swims, she makes more noise than a
+family of beavers. She screeches all the time, and consequently gets
+no opportunity to think. You know that to be wise one must be a quiet
+thinker. No, the loon is as dull as the donkey.”
+
+“Then who is the wisest of all creatures?” asked Tiny, growing more and
+more interested.
+
+“Have you never heard that the owl is the symbol of wisdom?” asked the
+curious creature. “There is nothing I do not know.”
+
+“Then perhaps you can tell me where Squirreltown is situated,” said
+Tiny, eagerly.
+
+“I do not know,” replied the owl, glaring at Tiny until he again lost
+courage. “I do not fill my mind with useless knowledge, since there are
+so many important things to know. How ridiculous of you to ask me such
+a question! You might just as well ask why the moon, although not so
+large as a pumpkin, can light up this great world of ours. There are
+many things that learned students cannot explain so ordinary creatures
+can understand. I believe, however, that if you live long enough and
+keep traveling all the time, you may find Squirreltown one of these
+days.”
+
+“This is no time for jesting,” burst forth Tiny, his heart sinking. “I
+greatly desire to get home. I started out to gather our winter store in
+this hunting-bag, but I got lost. Mother must be quite tired looking
+for me.”
+
+“Your mother need not wear her eyes out _looking_ for you, since you
+are surely old enough to _see_ for yourself,” retorted the owl.
+
+Tiny said that he must hasten on.
+
+“Do not be in a hurry, my restless quadruped,” said the owl. “Squirrels
+are always in a hurry. You are very nervous animals. It makes me dizzy
+to look at you. I am the wisest creature of the forest, yet you do not
+choose to tarry long enough to get some useful information. Do you
+still desire an education, or have you changed your mind?”
+
+“I want to get home,” sobbed Tiny.
+
+“I will see that your wish is granted,” said the owl, more kindly.
+“What else do you wish?”
+
+“I wish to grow up to be a useful squirrel. I want to make my mother
+and everybody else happy.”
+
+The owl asked him what more he desired.
+
+“That is all,” was the reply.
+
+“Then do as I say,” commanded the owl. “Before you can become truly
+wise, you must learn the lessons of patience and industry, and, as you
+struggle, you must sing the song of contentment. I am a wise prophet,
+and I will see that your wishes are fulfilled.
+
+“To-night you must sleep out in one of those hazel bushes. Be sure to
+hide yourself, for sometimes I fly about while asleep. In that case
+perhaps I might eat you without knowing it. To-morrow at dawn, follow
+the path that leads to the brook. Then turn to your right. If you
+should turn to your left, you would soon find yourself in Big Bear
+City. Keep your eyes wide open, and when you least expect it, you will
+be taught the lesson of patience.
+
+“Follow the footpath till you come to a lovely dell, where a fairy
+princess will teach you the lesson of industry and the value of doing
+good to others. She probably can show you the way to Squirreltown, for
+she knows all about geography. But, ere you reach home, you will have
+two dreadful encounters. A four-legged giant with hundreds of darts
+will rush upon you when you least expect it. Do not be frightened. Be
+calm and cautious. Lie close to the ground so that his darts will pass
+above you, should he throw them at you. Seize one of his darts, jab
+him; he will then run away.
+
+“Soon you will find yourself in the heart of a jungle that almost all
+tame beasts fear to enter. Another giant, a big black one, will try to
+hurt you. However, you will be protected. Do as I command, or you will
+never get back home.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Owl,” said Tiny, willing to endure any hardship if he
+could only see his mother again. “Should you come to Squirreltown, the
+Mayor will tell you where to find me. He is stopping at the Beech Tree
+Inn.”
+
+“What kind of stops does he use?” asked the owl, much amused.
+
+Tiny stared at him in wonderment.
+
+“I suppose you mean that he is _staying_ at the Beech Tree Inn,” said
+the owl. “I hope you have enjoyed your visit in my castle. If you will
+stay a while longer I will sing. I have a most beautiful voice. I can
+sing twice as loud as a village of sparrows.”
+
+The little red squirrel did not insist upon hearing the owl prophet
+sing, for that would have been bad manners.
+
+With a polite goodnight, he scurried down the tree to a clump of hazel
+bushes, where he hid himself as securely as possible. He slept very
+little, for he feared that the wise owl might fly about in his sleep
+and possibly devour him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The sunbeams shine through the boughs of the trees and the winds rustle
+gently. The dewdrops glitter on the grass. The brook bounds joyously
+along. The birds sing gaily and the little animals of the wood come
+forth to listen to the sweet music. The wild flowers open their pretty
+cups.
+
+Now the forest is ringing with glad shouts and songs. The sunbeams
+are growing brighter. The winds are dying down and the dewdrops are
+passing away. The brook is bounding along more joyously. The birds are
+singing more gaily. The little animals are running hither and thither.
+The flowers are spreading their pretty cups wide open to catch the
+sunlight. At last Tiny is waking.
+
+When Tiny awoke from his slumbers in the hazel brush, he scampered down
+to the edge of the brook, washed his face, and combed out his long,
+bushy tail. Then he began to call for Chatty, but no answer came. He
+finally decided to start alone. He remembered to take the path leading
+to the right as the owl had directed him. For a long time he sauntered
+along, admiring the elder, oak, and buckeye trees, and occasionally he
+darted his piercing gaze at some low-hanging black haw or pawpaw bush,
+fearing some animal might attack him.
+
+At last he came to a sandy plain, where he sat down to rest in the
+sunshine. Not far away he saw a city. Its streets were filled with busy
+inhabitants. Hundreds of them were hurrying to and fro, working with
+all their energy. Many little workers were erecting buildings. To lift
+a single grain of sand each was toiling with all his might. They did
+not stop to rest or to visit, but kept working, working, working. Tiny
+thought it would take them a long time to build houses from grains of
+sand.
+
+[Illustration: THEY DID NOT STOP TO REST OR VISIT, BUT KEPT WORKING,
+WORKING, WORKING.]
+
+While the architects were busy building new homes, some soldiers in
+shiny, red clothes moved about as if they were giving orders to the
+workers. A crowd of watchmen stood at the gates of the city, ready to
+give warning at the approach of an enemy.
+
+Not one of the little creatures was alarmed by the squirrel. They
+heeded him no more than Tiny did the tree beneath which he was
+crouching. He drew nearer and saw that there were many little rooms
+near the surface of the city and that below them was a great public
+dining-room and storeroom. Evidently they all ate their meals together.
+These rooms were kept in order by a host of servants, who were very
+busy all the time carrying out shells, seeds, and the remains of
+insects. Others collected all the rubbish and carried it out into a
+heap outside the city limits. Scores of nurses were looking after the
+babies, and teaching them that the time would soon come when they must
+labor like their elders.
+
+Suddenly there was a great commotion in the street. Some food providers
+were struggling along with a fly they had found. They were taking it
+to the storeroom. The load was so heavy that several household workers
+rushed out to lend their help. They toiled along together, slowly, with
+one united effort, and with great difficulty; but, finally, they stowed
+the fly headlong into the public storeroom. Tiny breathed a sigh of
+relief when their hard task was done.
+
+But they did not stop to rest. They turned out to help others bring
+in a locust. The workers in the storeroom cleared a place for other
+provisions; the watchmen guarded the gates, without taking their eyes
+from their work; the architects, steadily and patiently, carried grain
+after grain of sand to the tops of their buildings.
+
+“How full of energy they are!” exclaimed Tiny. “By their combined
+efforts they can build and support a great city. If something destroys
+it, they build it up again. I wish squirrels would work together as
+these insects do. Oh, I see! It is as the owl prophet said. I have
+learned the lesson of patience. I do feel glad that I was permitted
+to study this wonderful city. However, I am surprised to learn such a
+noble lesson from the smallest of all creatures--ants!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+Not far from the city of ants, Tiny halted to refresh himself with an
+acorn.
+
+“This country is delightful,” he said to himself. “A squirrel does
+not often see such a beautiful scene. He has little knowledge of the
+great world. I was discontented not long ago, but now I am happy. I
+am glad that I saw the ants and their city. They are very industrious
+creatures. All have much work to do, yet they do it willingly. They
+don’t seem to wish to be idle. Ants never before were interesting to
+me, but now I admire them very much. You have taught me a lesson,
+friend ant.”
+
+[Illustration: SUDDENLY HE SAW A SPIDER BUSY AT WORK UPON HER COUNTRY
+HOME.]
+
+He sat still for a few moments gazing around him. Suddenly he saw a
+spider busy at work upon her country home. She wore a snuff-brown
+jacket dashed with purple, and her legs were striped like those of a
+tiger.
+
+She had just finished digging a tunnel seven inches long in the earth,
+and had lined it with a substance that looked like silk. Now she was
+spinning a web to cover the outer door, which was really a dry oak
+leaf. She left an opening large enough to pass through. Then she pulled
+some blades of grass and fastened them across the leaf so securely that
+the entrance to her home could not be seen. She worked very busily,
+although occasionally a rude wasp came along and tried to sting her.
+In spite of disturbing insects, the spider finished building her home.
+Then she twined some tiny vines about the entrance, making a green
+bower that looked very pretty. When her difficult task was completed,
+she crawled into her silk-lined hall and went to sleep.
+
+“Plucky wood spider!” cried Tiny in admiration. “Although the
+wasps threaten her life, she never gives up. You work diligently,
+little friend. I admire you very much. I have learned a lesson in
+perseverance.”
+
+[Illustration: HE SAW A DARK OBJECT SITTING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM.]
+
+Tiny did not hunt a place in which to sleep until it was quite late.
+Indeed, the moon was beginning to shine before he thought of rest. Just
+as he was about to leave the path turning to the right, he saw a dark
+object sitting directly in front of him. It was singing in a clear and
+plaintive voice:
+
+          “Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+   I never complain nor demur,
+   Though the fox and the bat and the weasel and cat
+   Are waiting to seize me and roll me out flat,
+   And swallow me down like a great lump of fat,
+           Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r.
+
+          “Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+           I have neither feathers nor fur;
+  I am dusty and wrinkled and warts to me cling,
+  Yet I’m never unhappy, for Nature, kind thing,
+  Gave me such a sweet voice; so I constantly sing
+           Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r.”
+
+“How fortunate it is that an ugly creature may have the power to sing!”
+exclaimed Tiny so loudly that the toad who had been singing grew
+frightened and leaped into the tall grass.
+
+“You have taught me the song of contentment, Mrs. Toad,” he continued.
+“I have many privileges that you do not enjoy, for you only venture
+forth at night. Although hundreds of animals are waiting to destroy
+you, your song never loses its vigor. Your only recreation is to catch
+a few insects and to sit in the moonlight, singing ‘Wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+wur-r-r’.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Tiny spent the night in the fork of a wild plum tree. For some time
+he sat thinking of his mother and Squirreltown, but his lessons in
+patience and contentment had made him satisfied with his lot.
+
+The next morning he started upon his journey, bravely following the
+narrow, twisting path, ever ready to avoid danger.
+
+[Illustration: HE WAS ABOUT TO TAKE A DRINK WHEN HE SAW WHAT HE TOOK TO
+BE A FAIRY STRUGGLING IN THE WATER.]
+
+At length he came to a brook. He was about to take a drink when he saw
+what he took to be a fairy struggling in the water. She had been trying
+to get out for a long time; but, finally, her wings ceased to move and
+she lay very still.
+
+Tiny, who was a good swimmer, hurried out to rescue her. He placed his
+nose under her and lifted her from the water. Holding his head high, he
+swam to the shore.
+
+The fairy crawled upon a lady’s-slipper close by and flapped her wings
+until they were quite dry.
+
+“You have done me a great service,” she said. “I’ll repay you some time
+when you least expect it. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
+
+“Don’t try,” said Tiny, with a polite bow. “I’ve been taught to protect
+the helpless, provided they are not too big for my protection. I hope
+you are quite dry now.”
+
+“Yes, I shall be able to fly back to the city as soon as I get my
+breath,” she said. “I am a queen bee and I should not be out of my
+hive. I left the palace this morning with several thousand followers
+and was on my way to a far-off country, when, in some peculiar manner,
+I fell into the water. I could not swim, so it is lucky for me that you
+came by.”
+
+“I hope that your followers will find you. They must be greatly
+distressed.”
+
+“Oh, I hope they’ll find me,” said the queen bee, as she flapped her
+wings. “You see, I have thousands and thousands of children; but they
+have good nurses and are never much bother. It is not hard to govern
+them.”
+
+Tiny gazed at her in surprise.
+
+“I have been queen of a place called the City Wonderful,” she
+continued. “I ruled fifty thousand subjects. We lived in a great city
+with narrow streets, protected by a beehive. You don’t know what a very
+busy place it was all summer long.”
+
+“But it doesn’t seem possible that so many creatures could live
+together. Just imagine fifty thousand red squirrels in one tree!”
+gasped Tiny.
+
+“That’s different,” responded the queen. “We live together in
+co-operation. Each of the workers knows her work and does it without
+having to be watched all the time. The workers are females, and they
+are very industrious; but the drones are males, and they do not work.
+They have to be driven out of the city before winter sets in, or they
+would eat all our provisions. The workers toil from morning till night,
+stopping up cracks in the hive with wax, carrying food to the baby
+bees, and storing it away for winter. They haven’t time to play in the
+summer. Each worker has six little pockets which she fills with pollen.
+She uses this in making wax for the walls. As soon as the walls are
+built, another set of workers make round places, or cells, in them.
+Others fill the cells with honey from the honey bags they carry about
+when they visit the flowers.”
+
+“But where do the little baby bees stay?” asked Tiny.
+
+“Oh, they stay in the empty honey cells and are watched and cared for
+by their nurses until they are old enough to work,” replied the queen.
+“There is much to do, but there are many classes of workers, from the
+honey gatherers to the bees that stand inside the hive, fanning with
+their wings to make currents of air; for without pure air the crowded
+City Wonderful would not be a fit place to live in. Another set of bees
+cleans out the cells after the baby bees are old enough to come out,
+and others guard the gate of the city to keep away moths and other
+troublesome creatures.”
+
+“Bees are wise, sensible, industrious, and useful,” declared the
+squirrel. “I should like to see the City Wonderful. I am very glad that
+I have the privilege of seeing a queen bee. I wasn’t expecting such a
+great pleasure.”
+
+The queen bee said that she was equally glad to see the red squirrel,
+and that she would be delighted to invite him to see the new City
+Wonderful, were it not for the fact that her soldiers might make it
+unpleasant for him.
+
+“Are there many kinds of bees?” asked Tiny presently.
+
+“Yes, there are fully seventy known varieties,” replied the queen,
+daintily flapping her wings. “There are the plasterer bees. They make
+tunnels in the ground, divide them into cells, and fill them with
+honey. They have forked tongues to use as trowels in smoothing down
+the silken layers which they use in making the tunnels. The flower
+riflers, which are very dark in color, make their cells on dry walls.
+Their homes look like lumps of mud.”
+
+Tiny asked if all the bees live in great cities.
+
+“Not all of them,” replied the queen, “although they are very sociable
+creatures. The upholsterer bee cuts out round pieces from rose leaves,
+with which she lines her tiny nest. Would it not be delightful to live
+in a nest of sweet-smelling rose leaves? I should much prefer such
+sweet quietude to city life. The upholsterer stores honey and pollen
+that looks like rose-colored jam. I dare say it is very delicious. The
+mason bees take bits of chalk, sand, and woody material, which they
+make into tiny bricks to use in building their little houses. Another
+kind of bee hunts for an old snail shell in which to make her house.
+There is another variety that builds its nest in the heart of the
+scarlet poppy. Some bees throw out sweet perfume. Although most bees
+work in the sunshine, there is a class, with wings tinted like the
+rainbow, that works by moonlight. You may be learned, my friend, but
+I could sit here all day and tell you things about bees. You would be
+much surprised at many facts I should mention. Bees, wasps, spiders,
+and ants are very clever.”
+
+Tiny said that there was nothing that could give him greater pleasure
+than to hear her talk.
+
+“But my body guard is coming,” continued the queen. “It is really an
+extraordinary thing for a queen bee to be without attendants. They
+must be much distressed about losing me.”
+
+Tiny asked why she had left the City Wonderful.
+
+“Because of family troubles,” replied the queen, somewhat ashamed.
+“We lived in perfect harmony until I learned that my daughter, the
+princess, would come out of her nursery cell in a few days to enter
+society. Princess bees are the only ones that cause trouble. They are
+fed on the finest food, and the nurses work hard to make their bodies
+as smooth and comely as possible. Of course, daughters that live in
+luxury and never have any responsibility are likely to be spoiled. Like
+all queen bees I am in fear of the eldest princess.”
+
+“Why?” cried Tiny in surprise.
+
+“Oh, you don’t understand bees,” said the queen with a sigh. “When my
+eldest princess comes from her nursery and is ready to go into society,
+she will try to kill me. She will strive to be queen. It is always that
+way with the princesses.”
+
+“What a cruel daughter!” exclaimed the squirrel, much horrified.
+
+“All princesses try to get the queens out of the way,” said the bee in
+a sad voice. “As soon as they are big enough to rule others, they want
+to control everything. So I have gotten several thousand loyal subjects
+and have left the hive to build a city of my own.”
+
+“And will a cruel princess become queen in your place?” asked Tiny.
+
+“Yes,” was the response, “but before long she will become uneasy,
+too. Her next younger sister will come out of her nursery and will
+want to rule. Perhaps there will be a great contest, but doubtless
+the elder princess will have to flee as I have done. She will have
+fewer followers than I, and they will be called the after-swarm. Thus
+jealousy goes on in the royal family all the time, but the other bees
+are usually peaceable and are always busy.”
+
+At that moment Tiny heard a buzz that sounded as though all the insects
+in the world were singing together. A great swarm of bees, like a black
+cloud, appeared overhead.
+
+“I believe this must have been the first time in history that a queen
+ever got away from the rest of the swarm,” said the queen bee. “I have
+enjoyed this little visit so much, and I thank you a thousand times for
+saving me from drowning.”
+
+Waving her pretty wings in graceful farewell, she joined her army of
+soldiers, and with buzzes of delight they carried her away.
+
+“What a dreadful thing it is to be a ruler, in constant fear of death!”
+said Tiny, gratefully. “I am glad--oh, so glad--that I am a little
+common squirrel, as free as the sunbeams that light my way.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+After his strange meeting with the queen bee, Tiny wondered what would
+happen next. He remembered what the owl prophet had said concerning
+the dangers he would meet. As he sped onward, his little heart began
+to beat less bravely, for, like any young squirrel that had lived in
+a comfortable home without a care or a worry, he dreaded to face an
+uncertain future.
+
+“I am frightened,” he said, with a shudder, as he stopped at the edge
+of a clump of cedars to find a place in which to spend the night. “The
+day and the twilight are gone. No moon or star is in the sky. I wish I
+were at home with mother.”
+
+Then came a crash. Tiny thought for a moment that it was hailing. He
+was about to hide in the grass when a bright green light flashed forth,
+so brilliant that he could see all about him. He soon learned that the
+crash was caused by a multitude of acorns that the wind had shaken from
+a tree. Never before had he seen such splendid acorns.
+
+“I will fill my hunting-bag, although such a large load will cause me
+to travel more slowly,” he said. “A bagful of acorns is a nice thing to
+have. How happy mother will be to get them!”
+
+He began helping himself to the acorns. Suddenly he saw an ogre emerge
+from the ground, with a thousand darts all pointed straight at him.
+Never before in all his life had Tiny been so frightened.
+
+“Hist!” cried the ogre, advancing slowly towards the poor, trembling
+squirrel, his sharp teeth showing in a ghastly manner. “One of the
+squirrels of the forest enters my realm. What shall I do with him?”
+
+[Illustration: “HIST!” CRIED THE OGRE, ADVANCING SLOWLY TOWARD THE
+POOR, TREMBLING SQUIRREL.]
+
+A hundred voices cried out in reply:
+
+  “Master Ogre, friend so true,
+   He has come to steal from you.
+   See the bag he carries there!
+   Seize him by his auburn hair;
+   Put him in the bag, and then
+   Hide him in your gloomy den!”
+
+Poor Tiny could only stand and shiver, awaiting his dreadful fate. The
+green light became brighter and brighter, and soon he saw that he was
+surrounded by a circle of glow worms. The ogre was a fierce porcupine.
+Tiny had never before seen such a terrible creature.
+
+“Every soldier in my army is loyal to me!” shouted the porcupine
+boisterously. “Each comes with a lantern to help me. They will aid me
+to tie you, place you in that bag, and hang you in my den deep down in
+the cold ground.”
+
+“I did not come to rob you,” mumbled Tiny, shaking violently. “I am
+lost, and am trying to find my way home. This is my hunting bag in
+which I gather my winter store. Please let me go unharmed.”
+
+“Neither you nor your hunting bag has any right to be on my castle
+grounds,” growled the porcupine. “Either the woodchuck or the rabbit
+has told you that I have many priceless valuables hidden in my
+storeroom.”
+
+“I have never met the woodchuck, nor have I seen the rabbit for many
+weeks,” wailed Tiny. “In my hunting bag are acorns and beech-nuts. I
+halted underneath this tree to gather a few of these fine acorns.”
+
+“Guilty creature!” cried the porcupine, bristling still more. “Do not
+these acorns belong to me, also the tree they grow upon? Confess now
+that you were going to burrow into my storeroom and carry off the
+precious carrots and cabbage leaves I have stored away for a rainy day.”
+
+“You are mistaken,” said Tiny, almost dead from fright, while the glow
+worms circled still more closely about him.
+
+Just then he remembered what the owl prophet had told him to do. As the
+porcupine attempted to seize him, Tiny leaped forward and caught one
+of the sharp darts and gave him a hard jab, which made the porcupine
+shriek at the top of his voice. Moaning with pain, the ferocious
+creature disappeared into the ground. The glow worms vanished.
+
+[Illustration: “I HAVE CONQUERED THE OGRE!” CRIED TINY IN DELIGHT,
+WHIRLING THE SWORD ABOUT IN THE AIR.]
+
+“I have conquered the ogre!” cried Tiny in delight, whirling the dart
+about in the air. “I am glad that I took the wise owl’s advice.”
+
+Still carrying the dart, or quill, that he had wrested from the
+porcupine, he groped his way back to the path.
+
+Soon the rays of the moon made everything as bright as day. He had not
+gone far when he saw to the left a deep, dark jungle, concerning which
+the owl prophet had spoken.
+
+“It is a dismal place after night,” he said, “but I must go into the
+jungle as I have promised to do. I shall use the dart to protect
+myself.”
+
+With some difficulty he entered the damp place, without thought of the
+terrible fright that awaited him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Deeper and deeper Tiny wandered into the heart of the jungle. It was
+very damp and chilly as well as ghostly. His hunting bag was heavy, but
+he did not lose heart.
+
+He had heard that fairy princesses with torches often came to the aid
+of good squirrels that were in trouble. He wished that they would come
+to help him. But the dark trees and bushes looked like frightful hiding
+places for foxes and other mischievous animals. He grew more and more
+alarmed. Finally he halted at the foot of a pine tree.
+
+“I will spend the night here,” he said to himself. “I shall be out of
+danger in this great tree. What a lonesome place it is! This is one of
+the gloomiest valleys I ever saw. I’ll hide my acorns under the tree
+and find a place in which to rest.”
+
+Hardly had he spoken these words, when a terrible growl fell upon his
+ears. At the same time a great black object rose between himself and
+the tree. It was the largest creature Tiny had ever seen.
+
+“It is the black giant that Mr. Owl told me about,” chattered Tiny,
+dropping his hunting bag. “Oh, what shall I do?”
+
+The giant, which was really a black bear, growled louder than before
+and tried to strike Tiny with his great paw. The red squirrel, quick
+as a flash, attacked the giant with his dart, but only broke it into
+several pieces. Then, as fast as his legs could carry him, he scurried
+up the pine tree. The bear, shaking with rage, attempted to climb the
+tree, too, but he was so heavy that a bough gave way, and he fell
+clumsily to the ground.
+
+[Illustration: HE WAS SO HEAVY THAT A BRANCH GAVE WAY AND HE FELL
+CLUMSILY TO THE GROUND.]
+
+“You may be a great fighter on the ground, but you can’t climb trees,”
+laughed Tiny in spite of his recent fright.
+
+“You shall stay in that tree till your beard turns gray,” growled the
+bear, “for I intend to see that you do not escape.”
+
+Tiny hid himself in one of the thick branches and remained quiet for
+a long time. He feared to go to sleep, lest he might fall upon Mr.
+Bruin’s upturned nose. In the meantime, the bear fell into a deep
+slumber.
+
+Finally the thought struck Tiny that he might be close to Squirreltown.
+He quickly ascended to the topmost branch and looked all about him.
+
+Less than two miles away he saw a wonderful sight. It seemed to him
+that millions of bright stars clustered together over the top of a tall
+tree in the east. They circled briskly about, sparkling and flashing
+like diamonds in an immense crown.
+
+“The good owl prophet has told me the truth from first to last,”
+said Tiny, his heart almost bursting from joy. “I recognize the dear
+old oak where I was born, although it is a long distance away.
+Squirreltown stands under that crown of heavenly bodies. Never before
+have I seen that kind of stars. Those rays are as bright as these
+anxious eyes of mine. Hurrah for home and mother! How strange it is
+that all my difficulties have helped me to find the right way home!”
+
+He hastened down to the lowest branch of the tree, but Bruin was still
+sleeping, with his head against its massive trunk. Tiny, whose mother
+had taught him the lesson of prudence, did not dare to venture down,
+lest the big black bear should seize him. So he went back to his
+resting place, and soon fell asleep.
+
+In the early gray dawn, he awoke and peeped from his cozy shelter. The
+birds were leaving their green roofs to find food for their families.
+The daisies in the woods and valleys were beginning to spread their
+white and crimson-tipped stars. The leaves trembled in the early
+breezes. Old Bruin was not far from the tree. He had found a hollow
+stump, and was rooting around it with his long nose.
+
+Soon there was a buzzing sound that swelled into an angry roar. Old
+Bruin, in trying to steal some honey, had gotten into trouble with the
+bees. The swarm was very angry. Hundreds of bees poured from the stump
+and alighted on his head, in his eyes, ears, and nostrils.
+
+[Illustration: CRAZED WITH PAIN THE BEAR DASHED AWAY.]
+
+Crazed with pain, the bear dashed away, bellowing at the top of his
+voice. Tiny, although very kind-hearted and forgiving, could not keep
+from laughing at the plight of the bear. His cries sounded like the
+mingled shrieks of many different animals, for the sting of each bee
+was like the cut of a knife.
+
+Tiny scurried down the tree to find his hunting bag, and what was his
+delight to find other delicacies that would make his winter store
+complete.
+
+“What a glorious jungle this is!” he cried. “I am glad I followed the
+advice of the owl prophet, for no squirrel has ever before been so
+fortunate. The ground is covered with pine cones, the seeds of which
+are delicious. Across the way is a large quantity of beech-nuts, and
+all around me are blackberry bushes. There is nothing else so delicious
+as dried blackberries.”
+
+In the midst of his joy, the queen bee that he had rescued from the
+brook lit upon a purple crow-foot growing by the stump, and cried out:
+
+“Good morning, my four-legged friend. You are the squirrel that saved
+my life.”
+
+“I am glad to see you again, your majesty,” said Tiny with his polite
+bow. “I wish you had happened to come sooner, for that dreadful black
+giant made me stay in yonder pine tree all night long.”
+
+“The impudent creature tried to get into our new home in the stump,”
+said the queen. “My soldiers will chase him and his companions so far
+away that they will never find their way back here.”
+
+“You have done me a great service,” said Tiny, with a second bow. “I
+thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
+
+“A kind act always brings its reward,” said the queen cheerfully.
+
+“But how can a tiny bee scare such a monstrous creature as a bear?”
+asked the squirrel.
+
+“One bee couldn’t scare anything,” laughed the queen. “You must
+remember that bees work together. When hundreds and hundreds of bees
+attack a bear, he is sure to make good use of his legs.”
+
+“Isn’t it rather unpleasant to live in a stump, after having been queen
+of the City Wonderful?” asked Tiny, after a moment of silence.
+
+“No, I rather enjoy the change,” returned the queen bee, with a merry
+buzz. “I hear that my oldest daughter, the princess, is now queen of
+the City Wonderful, but that she is uneasy all the time, as her next
+younger sister is almost ready to leave her nursery and fight for the
+crown. Occasionally there is strife in the City Wonderful, for as
+soon as a princess leaves her nursery, she wants to rule. I am quite
+content to live here with my twenty thousand faithful followers. It is
+better to live peaceably in a stump than with a quarrelsome daughter in
+a fine palace.”
+
+“I wish you much happiness,” said Tiny, with still another bow.
+
+“Thank you,” replied the queen, testing her gauzy wings. “I learned
+yesterday from one of my workers that Squirreltown is but a short
+distance away. Follow the path leading eastward, and you will be there
+in time for dinner.”
+
+“And what a dinner I shall take to my good mother!” exclaimed Tiny,
+looking about him.
+
+There was his hunting bag filled with choice acorns. Fully two bushels
+of beech-nuts and three barrels of pine cones were scattered over the
+ground. On the blackberry bushes, some of which were five feet high,
+were at least a dozen gallons of dried berries.
+
+“I warn you that all is not well at Squirreltown,” continued the queen.
+“They are having a dreadful famine there, and your poor mother may have
+starved by this time. Fear, want, and anxiety are terrible companions
+with which to live.”
+
+“What caused the famine?” asked Tiny in alarm.
+
+“Acorns and all the other queer food that squirrels eat are very scarce
+in Squirreltown just now,” explained the queen; “and, to make it all
+the worse, the squirrels there were annoyed by a host of bears that
+took up their abode in the city. As a result, all the inhabitants were
+afraid to leave their homes. The poor creatures were hungry enough to
+eat one another.”
+
+“Are there many bears about here?” asked Tiny.
+
+“Quite a number of them came to the jungle, because there are so many
+acorns. They intended to hibernate here. I remembered how kind you had
+been to me, so I sent messengers to all the bees for miles around to
+drive the bears out of Squirreltown. We intend to keep them out of this
+jungle. We will watch your city every day and woe betide the bear that
+enters! Should one attempt to pass the city limits, an alarm will be
+sent out, and at least a thousand bees will chase him until he falls
+down exhausted. Bears, deer, and buffaloes are cowards. However, they
+do look very dreadful to small creatures like us.”
+
+“I can never repay you for your courtesies,” said Tiny, this time
+bowing so low that his bushy tail looked like a canopy over his head.
+
+“Now run along home before my army returns,” continued the queen. “All
+the citizens of Squirreltown know that you are coming, and that you are
+their deliverer. I will send a few of my messengers to guide you, and
+to conduct your friends back to the jungle where they can eat all they
+want, and store things for winter use. Goodby.”
+
+The queen bee flew back into the stump, buzzing happily. Tiny laughed,
+cried, chattered, and sang for joy. After helping himself to a few
+berries and pine cones, he picked up his bunting bag and trudged along
+to Squirreltown, as happy as a king.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+The bees that had been sent to guide Tiny back to Squirreltown did not
+speak a word. They flew a short distance ahead of him, occasionally
+stopping to rest or to take refreshment from the cup of a wild rose.
+
+What was Tiny’s joy when again he beheld the familiar trees of
+Squirreltown! His delight knew no bounds when the squirrels, red, gray,
+and black, scurried forth from their homes to welcome him. Soon he was
+the center of an excited group. They stroked his fur, pulled his beard,
+and shouted joyfully:
+
+[Illustration: “WELCOME HOME! HURRAH FOR TINY REDSQUIRREL! LONG LIFE TO
+THE DELIVERER OF SQUIRRELTOWN.”]
+
+“Welcome home! Hurrah for Tiny Redsquirrel! Long life to the deliverer
+of Squirreltown!”
+
+They were about to pounce upon his hunting bag, but Tiny gently pushed
+them away, saying:
+
+“These are for my mother. Shall I tell you where I got them?”
+
+“Yes, yes,” replied the squirrels, who were almost starved.
+
+“Follow those bees to a jungle not far distant, where you can get
+enough provisions to last all winter long. It is a dark and lonely
+place, but you need have no fear, for a fairy queen lives there who has
+promised to protect you. I will join you soon.”
+
+Although the squirrels were anxious to inquire about Tiny’s health
+and to learn of his experience, they immediately scampered off to the
+jungle, for sometimes when little creatures become very hungry they
+cease to be polite.
+
+Tiny, finding himself all alone, hurried to his home in the great oak
+tree. When he saw the face of his dear mother, he was filled with
+mingled joy and sorrow. She looked much older, for a few days in
+Squirreltown is a very long time, and she had been grieving constantly
+for her lost son.
+
+Instead of rushing to embrace him, as one would expect her to do,
+she ran rapidly about the room, bounding over the table and chairs,
+shrieking and making as much noise as possible, for that is the way red
+squirrels show great joy.
+
+“I am so glad that you have come back, my son!” she cried again and
+again. “Tell me all about your adventures, for you must have had many
+of them.”
+
+[Illustration: HE PULLED THE HUNTING BAG INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM
+AND OPENED IT.]
+
+“Let us first have some supper, for you must be almost starved,” said
+Tiny. He pulled the hunting bag into the middle of the room, and opened
+it.
+
+“Oh, how tempting!” cried his mother, sniffing at the dried
+blackberries, and gazing hungrily at the acorns and pine cones. “I have
+had nothing to eat for two days.”
+
+“Then let us have a good feast together,” said Tiny, with a merry
+laugh. “While we are eating I will tell you the story of my wanderings.”
+
+“I shall eat while you are talking,” said Mrs. Redsquirrel.
+
+“But first I should like to know whether Chatty Chipmunk is safe,” said
+Tiny anxiously.
+
+“I don’t know,” replied Mrs. Redsquirrel, with a sigh. “Animals of the
+neighboring towns are doing all they can to assist our city in finding
+him, but so far they have had little encouragement. His poor mother is
+ill from anxiety. No one in the town suffers more than she.”
+
+Tiny told his mother how he had become separated from Chatty. He also
+told her about his meeting with the various creatures of the forest.
+
+“I think I may have been traveling in a circle all the time,” he
+concluded.
+
+“All bright, heavenly bodies travel in a circle,” said his mother with
+pride. “At any rate I am glad that you are safe at home once more. Now
+that we have finished our meal, I will make the room more tidy. Can I
+lift this hunting bag?”
+
+“I will put it away,” answered Tiny, seizing the bag and pulling it
+into the storeroom. “To-morrow I will go out into the jungle and bring
+you enough provisions to last all winter. Now, dear mother, tell me
+what has happened in Squirreltown during my absence.”
+
+“On the day you left a number of bears took up their abode in the heart
+of the city,” began Mrs. Redsquirrel, with a shudder. “We squirrels
+could do nothing. We tried to drive them away by throwing twigs at
+them, but the dreadful things only laughed at us, and said they would
+stay as long as they lived. We couldn’t leave our homes to go out into
+the country where the trees are loaded with acorns and beech-nuts, so
+we stayed inside and waited for help. The poor chipmunks in the ground
+must have suffered more than we.”
+
+“I am sorry that I was not here to comfort you,” said Tiny.
+
+“I missed you sorely, for you are so much braver than I,” said Mrs.
+Redsquirrel meekly. “Last night some of the older bears went away to
+get food. Early this morning we heard a most terrible noise. I peeped
+from my window and could see the bears scattering in every direction,
+and could hear them roaring and begging for mercy. Some of them fell
+over logs and rolled helplessly about. In a few moments they had all
+disappeared, and they did not return. Presently an army of wee soldiers
+came to the city, buzzing merrily, and settled down on that old hemlock
+tree where the Flyingsquirrel family formerly lived. Then Bushy
+Graysquirrel rushed in to tell me that several maids of honor to the
+fairy queen wanted to speak to me. She said that they bore news from
+you.”
+
+“How remarkable!” exclaimed Tiny. “It sounds, indeed, like a fairy
+tale.”
+
+“It was more like a bad dream to me,” declared Mrs. Redsquirrel.
+“Between you and me I was afraid to go down, and yet I wanted to hear
+something about you. In a few minutes I had brushed myself as neat as
+possible, and stood in the presence of the queen’s army. A tiny maid
+of honor, with shiny wings, came forth and told me how you had saved
+the queen’s life. She said that she and her soldiers had promised to
+keep their eyes on Squirreltown, and how they would see that the bears
+disturbed us no more. I was also assured that you were well, and that
+you would be back soon. I thanked her for her kindness, and returned
+home. Squirreltown at once became the liveliest place you ever saw.
+All the citizens mingled together as if they belonged to one family,
+and they cheered loudly for Tiny Redsquirrel, whom they called their
+deliverer. They are planning to give you a party late this afternoon.”
+
+“That will be delightful,” said Tiny, beginning to feel very important.
+“Last night I saw a crown of glittering stars circling about the tops
+of our tallest trees. I never saw stars that shone brighter than they.”
+
+“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the most interesting part of the
+story,” replied Mrs. Redsquirrel. “The queen doubtless knew that you
+would go to some treetop, hoping to catch a glimpse of Squirreltown, so
+she sent out some of her attendants to the camp of the fireflies, to
+beg them to lend their aid. Before long several thousand of the bright,
+pretty creatures were circling about the tops of the oak trees.”
+
+“How wonderful!” exclaimed Tiny, with breathless interest. “I did not
+know that such little creatures could be so helpful.”
+
+“Three times to-day several of the queen’s maids of honor flew into my
+window and left me some honey,” continued the mother. “I have grown
+quite fond of honey, although I do not believe that sweets are good for
+animals.”
+
+Tiny then told his parent how the owl prophet had taken an interest in
+him, and how he expected to seek him soon to receive more knowledge.
+
+“I do not put much dependence upon owls,” said Mrs. Redsquirrel,
+beginning to tremble, “but, should it be to your advantage, I would not
+complain if you should go to thank him for his goodness. He has been so
+kind that you ought not to show ingratitude. Perhaps he may teach you
+many other things that you should know.”
+
+“May I lie down for a few moments, mother?” asked Tiny, for he was
+beginning to feel the effects of his long and tiresome journey.
+
+“Dear son, you may,” she replied, as she hastened to make his couch
+more comfortable. “You ought to take a long nap before the party.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+Tiny became ill, and could not venture out of doors, so the party
+was postponed until he should get well. His mother sent for Dr.
+Flyingsquirrel, who lived out in the country. The doctor, who could
+spread out his loose skin and fly like a bird, said that Tiny should
+remain quiet for at least two days.
+
+[Illustration: SEVERAL OF TINY’S BEST FRIENDS, INCLUDING THE MAYOR
+HIMSELF, AND OTHER IMPORTANT CITIZENS CAME TO SEE HIM.]
+
+The Mayor of Squirreltown issued an edict that anyone who made a loud
+noise should be banished from the city, so intense silence reigned.
+Several of Tiny’s best friends, including the mayor himself and other
+important citizens, came to see him. They brought him wild flowers,
+acorns fashioned by their teeth into fanciful cups, and many other
+pretty things which Tiny gratefully received.
+
+The second morning Bushy Graysquirrel brought him a book of fables
+written by Father Aesop, who at that time was the greatest writer known
+to Animal Kingdom.
+
+The story that pleased him most was the following:
+
+  THE MOUSE’S DISCOVERY.
+
+  Once upon a time a donkey, a wolf, a fox, and a cat fell into an
+  argument as to which of them was the greatest.
+
+  A field mouse, who was hiding close by in a tuft of grass, heard the
+  conversation, and was much amused.
+
+  “I am the greatest thing in the world,” boasted the wolf, “for I am
+  so brave that I fear nothing. On the other hand, you would all run if
+  I showed my teeth and claws. I am one of man’s greatest fears.”
+
+  “It is certainly no sign of greatness to be a good fighter,” said the
+  fox, proudly curling his tail as foxes sometimes do. “I am shrewd and
+  wily. It is much better to have these qualities of mind than to be
+  fierce. Children’s books are full of stories concerning my cunning
+  tricks.”
+
+  “Foxes’ opinions of themselves are sometimes absurd,” said the
+  donkey, stamping his hoofs upon the ground to scare away the flies.
+  “Donkeys are the greatest of all objects, for the reason that they
+  are useful and always can be depended upon. Donkeys’ feet are more
+  sure than the hoofs of horses.”
+
+  “I am the chief of all objects,” proclaimed the cat, from a bough
+  of one of the birches. “I belong to the tiger family, yet I am so
+  gentle that children keep me for a pet. Men prefer dogs, but cats are
+  women’s favorites. The wolf’s importance is small compared with mine.
+  My food is brought to me, and I spend my spare time catching mice.
+  Cats are mice’s greatest foes.”
+
+  The mouse’s heart stood still when he heard these dreadful words from
+  the cat’s mouth, for he dreaded cats’ paws more than he did wolves’
+  teeth.
+
+  “I cannot fight, nor am I shrewd enough to steal, strong enough to
+  carry loads, nor lazy enough to be a child’s pet; but I can sing,”
+  warbled a thrush from the branch of another tree. “Birds are men’s
+  sweetest comforters, for their tunes always drive away care. Flies’
+  lives are spent in useless buzzing. A fly’s buzz is not sweet to
+  hear, as the donkey well knows. However, thrushes’ songs are very
+  melodious, for thrushes practice singing all day long. Surely the
+  thrush’s position is high above that of all other objects.”
+
+  Before the wolf could open his mouth to praise himself again, there
+  was a sound of heavy footsteps. Presently a man came in sight,
+  carrying a blunderbuss.
+
+  The wolf, forgetting how brave he was, darted away; the donkey’s
+  departure was almost as sudden; the thrush flew high into the sky;
+  the cat scurried to the birch’s topmost branch; and the hair on the
+  fox’s tail stood straight up as he leaped the bushes.
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  “See how they run!” exclaimed the field mouse, laughing at the
+  frightened animals who a moment since had been boasting of their
+  power. “It is very plain to be seen that the greatest of all objects
+  is the blunderbuss.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+When the two days were up Tiny had quite regained his health. Great
+preparations had been made for a jubilee. A grand banquet, given by the
+mayor and other high officials, was to be held in the hollow of a big
+tree.
+
+When Tiny stepped out upon the little rustic veranda in front of his
+home, he observed that the branches of the tree below him were thronged
+with squirrels of all colors and of all walks in life.
+
+“Hurrah for Tiny Redsquirrel!” they shouted. “Welcome, deliverer of
+Squirreltown! Three cheers for the noblest and bravest squirrel of
+Animal Kingdom! A speech! A speech!”
+
+[Illustration: TINY BECAME OVERWHELMED BY A FEELING OF
+IMPORTANCE--THERE WAS ALL SQUIRRELTOWN AT HIS FEET.]
+
+Strange to say, instead of being embarrassed, Tiny became overwhelmed
+by a feeling of importance. There was all Squirreltown at his feet,
+including the mayor and Billy Foxsquirrel, the noted whistler. Tiny
+bowed very stiffly, while the squirrels at the tops of their voices
+shouted lustily. He looked down upon them just as the wise owl prophet
+had gazed at him.
+
+“Fellow citizens,” he began, “I thank you for the honor you do me. I
+see many faces before me that show appreciation for what I have done to
+rescue our city from the bears. I choose to do all I can to help you.
+
+“The mayor invited me to make a speech to you. At the time, I knew that
+I could not prepare one as well as he, but I threw myself into the task
+and did the best I could. I am glad that this public reception has
+drawn so many of you to this place.
+
+“You have given me great happiness. Our beautiful city has grown very
+dear to me. I am glad that I was driven all round the world, for I
+learned many things that I will teach you. I have become much wiser
+since I have traveled, and have learned much that you do not know. I--”
+
+But in the midst of his grand eloquence, Tiny was interrupted. As he
+stood beating the air with his little paws, trying to impress his
+hearers, there came a flapping of wings overhead.
+
+His terrified hearers fled in all directions, but before he could
+escape he was seized and borne high into the air--up, up amongst the
+tree-tops.
+
+He was too much frightened to cry out. He could only wait until the
+dreadful creature that held him in his clutches should set him free.
+His blood almost froze in his veins. He wondered what he should do
+if his frail limbs were broken, or if he should be cast down in some
+lonely place to perish. Perhaps he would be eaten. His heart fell
+within him.
+
+After traveling for some time in this unusual and uncomfortable manner,
+he found himself in a nest of great size, with the owl prophet staring
+at him with big yellow eyes.
+
+[Illustration: HE FOUND HIMSELF IN A NEST OF HUGE SIZE, WITH THE OWL
+PROPHET STARING AT HIM WITH BIG, YELLOW EYES.]
+
+Although he was in a quiver of fright, like many other small creatures,
+he did not wish to appear concerned, so he smiled feebly and said:
+
+“Hello!”
+
+“How dare you be so bold?” cried the owl in a dry, unnatural voice. “Do
+you think I am a telephone?”
+
+“Pardon me,” said Tiny weakly. “My grammar is very bad.”
+
+“Grammar is never bad,” corrected the owl. “It is your English that is
+bad.”
+
+“But why did you take me away from dear old Squirreltown?” wailed Tiny.
+
+“To teach you the lesson of humility,” replied the owl prophet. “I
+have flown all the way to Squirreltown and back here to keep you
+from disgracing yourself. I am glad that I went. To see little Tiny
+Redsquirrel, puffed with vanity, frisking about with his little paws
+and bushy tail, lecturing to the old citizens of Squirreltown, was
+enough to make a wise owl laugh. What do you suppose the mayor thought
+of you?”
+
+“I don’t know,” replied Tiny, ashamed of himself in spite of his
+excitement. “I fear that I was very pompous; but then I had delivered
+Squirreltown from the bears, and I thought I had a right to be bold.
+You see, the mayor intended to have me for supper.”
+
+“If you complain any more, I myself will have you for supper,” declared
+the owl, with no pity whatever. “I suppose you mean that the mayor
+intended to entertain you at supper, for it is not likely that he would
+wish to eat you.”
+
+Tiny stared in bewilderment. He could not understand all the odd
+sayings of the prophet, but, nevertheless, he corrected himself by
+saying:
+
+“The mayor invited me to eat supper with him.”
+
+“Well, he will have all the more to eat without you, and will not have
+to listen to any more of your speeches,” snapped the owl. “Which one of
+those squirrels was the mayor?”
+
+“The large one with the sleek fur. I have often been told that the
+mayor looks like I do,” replied Tiny, his new vanity again appearing.
+
+“To be sure he does,” retorted the owl, with a laugh. “I, too, look
+like you do.”
+
+Tiny again stared in astonishment. He could see no points of
+resemblance between himself and the owl.
+
+“A bee looks like you do,” continued the prophet. “A bear looks like
+you do; so does a weasel, an elephant, a hyena, a jay bird, and a loon;
+even a monkey looks like you do.”
+
+“You are jesting with me,” protested Tiny, beginning to be vexed.
+
+“All animals look like you do, because they look with their eyes just
+as you do,” said the owl, with another distracting screech.
+
+“Oh, I see,” said Tiny, good-naturedly. “I should have said that the
+mayor looks like _me_. It was incorrect for me to say that the mayor
+looks like I do.”
+
+“Quite so,” said the owl, less harshly. “You are a bright little
+creature, and I am going to see that your wish for knowledge is
+granted. You felt very important an hour ago, when you tried to make a
+public speech before the oldest citizens of Squirreltown; but now you
+see how little you know. I am going to take you to Beaver Creek, where
+you may complete your education. Very few animals of the wood know of
+this school, and only the ablest ones are admitted to it. When you have
+graduated, you may go back to Squirreltown. Perhaps by that time you
+will be able to make a modest speech before your fellow squirrels.”
+
+“I really want an education,” replied Tiny, with enthusiasm. “The
+schools at Squirreltown are not very good, and very few squirrels
+attend them. We are such nervous creatures, and care more for play than
+for study. But what will my mother do without me?”
+
+“If she is a good mother, she will not stand in the way of your
+education,” replied the owl. “I will write her a letter which the
+messenger pigeon, a friend of mine, will carry to her. You must write
+to her twice a week, and the messenger pigeon will bear the letters to
+her.”
+
+“I dislike to write letters,” protested Tiny. “It is such stupid work.”
+
+“It is generally a stupid creature that dislikes to write letters,”
+said the owl severely. “He does not like to write, because he does not
+know how to write well. In Miss Hare’s School at Beaver Creek, you will
+be taught how to write correctly; then letter writing will prove to be
+a great pleasure to you.”
+
+“I am anxious to attend this school, because I want to learn how to
+read stories and to count,” said Tiny, after a moment of anxious
+thought.
+
+“You must promise to work hard,” said the owl, earnestly. “You will
+find pupils at this school from all parts of Animal Kingdom. Miss Hare
+is a good instructor, but very strict. If you should do anything that
+would injure one of your classmates, you would be drowned in the creek.
+Now roll yourself into a little round ball again, for I am ready to
+start.”
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tiny did as he was commanded. The owl almost encircled him with his
+long claws, and away they went to a strange land, about which Tiny had
+never even dreamed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+As he flew through the air in the clutches of the owl, Tiny realized
+what a small, helpless creature he was. Not a word was spoken till
+they stopped at the bank of a creek, which looked to him like a great
+river. It was filled, in one place, with branches of willows, beeches,
+poplars, and other trees. His heart beat sluggishly, for the scene was
+very dismal, indeed.
+
+“Have no fear,” said the owl prophet, not so gruffly as usual. “I have
+promised the queen bee to help you. A great many creatures do not like
+to go to school, but in after years they always regret it if they have
+quit school before completing the course.”
+
+Not a sound could be heard except the babbling of the brook and the
+tinkling of a waterfall several rods away. Tiny shuddered, but said
+nothing.
+
+“These buildings were built by beavers,” explained the owl, although
+it was so dark Tiny could not see them at all. “When they moved away,
+Miss Hare started her school here. Only one of the beavers remained. He
+is a skilled carpenter and janitor, and he keeps the building in good
+repair. You no doubt have heard that he mixes mortar with his forepaws,
+and uses his broad tail for a trowel. Young beavers stay at home till
+they are three years old; then they build houses of their own. This
+school is situated upon a stream of flowing water, as you see, for Miss
+Hare thinks that little scholars should have plenty of water as well as
+fresh air.”
+
+[Illustration: “THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT BY BEAVERS,” EXPLAINED THE
+OWL.]
+
+“I am glad that I came,” said Tiny, although he looked into the owl’s
+yellow eyes with some distrust. He still feared that the wise prophet
+might suddenly pounce upon him and eat him.
+
+“Hoot! hoot! hoot! Is everybody asleep?” cried the wise owl. “I can’t
+see why creatures want to sleep at night. I never close my eyes then,
+for I have plenty of sleep in the daytime. Besides, one should always
+be on the lookout at night, for one never knows what may happen.”
+
+Soon there was a splashing in the water, and in a few moments a queer
+animal approached them.
+
+“It is the janitor,” explained the owl, somewhat annoyed by the delay.
+“I fear he is getting lazy. He surely is not overworked, for all he
+does is to look after the buildings, play, sleep, and eat the bark of
+trees and the roots of water lilies.”
+
+“I beg pardon for keeping you waiting so long,” said the beaver. “As
+soon as I heard you, I rose to find out your wish.”
+
+“I have brought a pupil to Miss Hare,” said the owl. “Please see that
+he has a comfortable room for the night. Tell Miss Hare that I will
+write her a letter soon.”
+
+The owl prophet flew away, leaving Tiny with the beaver, who moved
+sleepily back along the willow boughs to a group of quaint houses made
+of mud, stones, and sticks. Their dome-shaped roofs were several feet
+above the level of the water.
+
+Suddenly, from the front window of one of the houses, a gleam of light
+shot forth and an odd-looking animal thrust out its head.
+
+Tiny, who by this time was accustomed to surprises, looked up to behold
+Miss Hare gazing down upon him. She looked very comical in her white
+nightcap.
+
+“Well, well, well, what is the matter?” she cried in a high voice.
+“My nerves are shaken by the dreadful noises I have heard. What is the
+matter, Mr. Beaver?”
+
+“Mr. Owl has brought another pupil,” said the beaver, politely. “I do
+not know where to put him.”
+
+[Illustration: “MR. OWL HAS BROUGHT ANOTHER PUPIL,” SAID THE BEAVER,
+POLITELY.]
+
+“Let him stay with Reynard Redfox to-night,” replied Miss Hare, looking
+searchingly at Tiny. “What a frail little creature you are! You must
+belong to the Rat family.”
+
+Tiny did not like Miss Hare’s frank way of speaking, and to be
+compared to a rat was not agreeable, but he said politely:
+
+“I am Tiny Redsquirrel of Squirreltown. I desire very much to get an
+education.”
+
+“I will let you stay if you will obey the rules,” said Miss Hare,
+severely. “I have always heard that red squirrels are very mischievous
+animals. You must know that I will not permit any foolishness. Not long
+ago Mr. Owl brought a pupil here who was so very saucy and naughty that
+I was glad to get rid of him. Although I taught him the lessons of
+kindness and charity, he bit Weenie Mouse and hit Winkie Weasel with an
+acorn. One day he tore out one of Katie Goose’s feathers and frightened
+the poor fowl almost to death. I never before saw such a bad creature.
+He looked very much like you. Do you know Chatty Chipmunk?”
+
+“Yes, ma’am,” replied Tiny, heartily ashamed of his youthful companion.
+“Is he at this school?”
+
+“No, he forsook us before he had been here three days,” answered Miss
+Hare. “I think he must have been drowned. I will give you a trial; but
+if you prove unworthy of my school I will never receive any more pupils
+brought to me by Mr. Owl. Good-night.”
+
+“Come on,” said the beaver. “I will take you to meet your roommate.”
+
+“Oh, I cannot room with a red fox!” protested Tiny, much alarmed. “He
+will eat me during his sleep.”
+
+“You need have no fear,” said the beaver assuringly. “Miss Hare has
+taught all her pupils the lesson of self-denial. She puts all sorts
+of temptations in their way, but none of them ever yield unless they
+are downright bad, as Chatty Chipmunk was. Reynard Redfox is very well
+bred. He and Bantam Chicken are the best of friends. Wherever you see
+Bantam, you may also see Reynard following after him.”
+
+Tiny did not feel very comfortable when the beaver opened the door of
+one of the buildings and told him to enter.
+
+Three or four fireflies, whose duty it was to carry lanterns, flew
+about the room, making it very light. Reynard Redfox, who was very
+large compared with Tiny, rose and shook out his stiff, long-haired
+coat. He gazed hungrily at the little red squirrel as though he were
+starving for his companionship.
+
+[Illustration: “MR. REDFOX, THIS IS MR. REDSQUIRREL,” SAID THE BEAVER.]
+
+“Mr. Redfox, this is Mr. Redsquirrel,” said the beaver. “Mr.
+Redsquirrel is a new scholar and Miss Hare said he should share your
+room to-night.”
+
+“He is most welcome,” said Reynard with a smile that made Tiny tremble
+all over. “I always was fond of squirrels. I fancy we shall get along
+famously together, as he takes up so little room.”
+
+“I assure you I shall occupy as little space as possible,” replied
+Tiny, politely. “I shall sleep here by the door, and, if I annoy you
+during the night, all you have to do is to make a noise and I will jump
+into the creek.”
+
+“You are quite safe,” assured the fox, settling himself for a nap.
+“Since I have been at this school I have learned how cowardly it is to
+injure creatures smaller and weaker than myself. I hope you will like
+our school.”
+
+“I hope so, too,” said Tiny, faintly. “Of course, it will take time to
+get acquainted with all the strange animals I shall meet. I have seen
+little of the world.”
+
+“Just be kind and unselfish, and you will make friends,” said the red
+fox. “When you see another animal that doesn’t please you, don’t stare
+at him as you did at me, but be as agreeable as you can. Remember that
+it would be a very monotonous world if all animals should look and act
+alike.”
+
+“Miss Hare must be a very nice creature,” ventured Tiny.
+
+“She is very wise and talented,” said the fox with enthusiasm. “Some of
+the most aristocratic families in Animal Kingdom are represented in her
+school. I have heard that she belongs to the nobility. You know she is
+a Belgian Hare, and I believe I heard some one say that her father was
+a Welsh Rabbit.”
+
+At that moment a terrible thumping sound was heard.
+
+“What is that!” exclaimed Tiny, unconsciously drawing nearer to Reynard
+for protection.
+
+“It is a warning for us to keep quiet,” said the fox. “Billy Beaver,
+the janitor, makes that noise with his tail whenever we become
+boisterous at night. You know that whenever a beaver wishes to warn
+his companions that danger is near, he makes a thumping sound with his
+tail. Really, the only clever thing about a beaver is his tail.”
+
+The fireflies settled down to rest, leaving the roommates in darkness.
+Although Reynard slept soundly, Tiny did not close his eyes until he
+was so exhausted that he could keep them open no longer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Tiny was glad when the rosy dawn peeped over the eastern hills once
+more. The little dark room in which he lay did not look so cheerless in
+the bright light of day.
+
+Again there came the sound of knocking that resembled the beating of a
+drum.
+
+[Illustration: “THAT’S BILLY BEAVER,” EXPLAINED REYNARD REDFOX,
+YAWNING. “HE IS CALLING FOR US TO GET UP.”]
+
+“That is Billy Beaver,” again explained Reynard Redfox, yawning. “He
+is calling for us to get up. We have just an hour in which to eat our
+breakfasts.”
+
+“Who gets breakfast for us?” asked Tiny, feeling much out of place in
+the strange new land.
+
+“Each one gets his own breakfast, of course,” replied Reynard, much
+amused. “We all require different kinds of food; and Miss Hare does not
+care how or where we get it, if we keep from injuring one another.”
+
+“Katie Goose, who is very cleanly, takes a swim in the creek, and hunts
+for seeds along the bank; Sammy Rabbit, a relative of Miss Hare, hunts
+for grain; and Winkie Weasel chases insects and catches frogs. Since I
+have become civilized, I am particularly fond of grapes, although I am
+never so happy as when strawberry season comes round.
+
+“Shifty Woodchuck has less trouble in searching for his breakfast
+than any other pupil, for he goes to a field of red clover or wild
+buckwheat, and many a time he eats until he is not in good condition to
+study. Shifty is a sleepy little animal. He spends the winter in a nest
+of dried grasses that he builds in a hole in the ground. When the cold
+weather comes, he will get sleepy and will lay aside his studies to
+prepare for a long rest. Maybe he will sleep all winter, for no other
+animal sleeps so long or so soundly as the woodchuck.”
+
+It took Tiny but a few moments to smooth down his silken fur and to
+brush out his bushy tail. With a shrill cry of delight, he sprang from
+his new home and ran out into the bracing, frosty air. He sped over the
+willow brush that surrounded the village of quaint beaver houses,
+and soon found himself in an oak tree where there were plenty of ripe
+acorns, moist with dew.
+
+Hardly had he finished his breakfast when again he heard the tail
+of the beaver pounding heavily. He hastened back to the cluster of
+beaver houses with their round domes. Little animals of all kinds were
+bustling about on their way to the various recitation rooms. Billy
+Beaver, the janitor, told Tiny that he should go into the auditorium,
+which was the largest building of all. There he found Miss Hare,
+sitting behind a rough, wooden table. She wore a gray robe and a pair
+of large earrings. Her spectacles were so heavy that her eyes seemed
+very large; but he at once decided that she must be a kind teacher, as
+her voice was soft and gentle.
+
+[Illustration: MISS HARE’S SCHOOL.]
+
+A number of animals sat on wooden benches facing Miss Hare. Reynard
+Redfox, who was the largest animal in school, sat in one corner by
+himself. His big, dark eyes were as mild as Tiny’s. His coarse, shaggy
+fur was neatly brushed.
+
+The room was decorated with flowers and carpeted with moss. An
+old-fashioned fireplace with bellows and tongs stood at one end of the
+room. Tiny, who had never before seen a fireplace, wondered where the
+fire came from. He afterwards learned that Billy Beaver made the fire
+by rubbing two sticks together, and that it was never permitted to go
+out.
+
+Toadstools, cat-tails, and elderberry bushes were arranged against
+the walls, looking quite as artistic as the bay-trees and other
+ornaments we see in fashionable hotels. Window curtains, woven of silk
+by spiders, and screens and cushions, woven of weeds, reeds, and grass
+by birds and mice, added to the comfort of the place. Snail shells and
+pretty stones, gathered by the pupils, also lent beauty to the room.
+
+[Illustration: NOT WISHING TO BE OUTDONE BY HIS CLASSMATES, HE WENT
+FORWARD AND, WITH A LOW BOW, GAVE MISS HARE AN ACORN.]
+
+Tiny observed that each pupil presented the teacher with flowers and
+delicacies, which were laid on her desk. Not wishing to be outdone by
+his classmates, he went forward and, with a low bow, gave Miss Hare an
+acorn.
+
+“Thank you,” said Miss Hare with a pleased smile, as she bent forward
+and gazed admiringly at him through her dark spectacles. “I see that
+you have already learned the lesson of generosity. You are the little
+animal that Mr. Owl brought here last night, I suppose. I hope you will
+be very studious and learn a great deal. I will introduce you to two
+pupils in the language class. Mr. Redsquirrel, this pupil is Winkie
+Weasel; that pupil just coming in is Sammy Rabbit. Those pupils, who
+are sitting in the back row of seats, are well advanced in their work;
+those pupils in the front seats are beginners. I will introduce them
+later on.”
+
+Tiny bowed to each of the pupils in the room, which included Shifty
+Woodchuck, who was very fat and sleepy-looking; Mr. Rabbitt, who had
+pink eyes and rosy ears; Mew Mew, who wore a blue bow; Bow Wow, with
+curly locks hanging over his eyes; Little Winkie Weasel, who possessed
+a long body and very short legs; Miss Field Mouse, who sat upon a
+toadstool; and several other pupils.
+
+“I usually teach in rhyme,” said Miss Hare, with an air of
+assurance that made Tiny think she was vastly learned. “I teach the
+multiplication table in rhyme, and in language I teach the use of
+verbs, nouns, and other parts of speech in the same way. There is no
+reason why one should not teach in rhyme, for it is natural and not
+easily forgotten.”
+
+She then told Tiny to sit by Winkie Weasel and, after opening her book,
+she looked over the class to be sure that each pupil was ready to give
+his attention.
+
+“The class may read aloud together our lesson for to-day,” she said,
+finally.
+
+All the animals rose and read as follows:
+
+  THE ANIMAL ALPHABET.
+
+  A is _an_ antelope, graceful and slim,
+  _A_ beautiful antelope, dainty and trim.
+
+  B is _a_ bee, flitting round all the day,
+  _An_ industrious bee that stores honey away.
+
+  C is _a_ chipmunk that lives in the ground,
+  _An_ intelligent chipmunk with eyes black and round.
+
+  D is _a_ dog that but seldom offends,
+  _An_ affectionate dog, ever true to his friends.
+
+  E is _an_ eagle, that seeks the tall pine,
+  _A_ big golden eagle with feathers that shine.
+
+  F is _a_ fox that fills chickens with fright,
+  _An_ impudent fox that steals forth in the night.
+
+  G is _a_ giraffe with a nose in the sky,
+  _An_ upright giraffe that holds his head high.
+
+  H is _a_ horse that has just lost his shoe,
+  _An_ untiring horse, and a useful one, too.
+
+  I is _an_ ibex, a wild mountain goat,
+  _A_ wandering ibex that wears a fur coat.
+
+  J is _a_ jackal of varying mood,
+  _An_ ambitious jackal, both nimble and shrewd.
+
+  K is _a_ kangaroo, clumsy and stout,
+  _An_ active old kangaroo, leaping about.
+
+  L is _a_ lamb that has never done wrong,
+  _An_ innocent lamb that bleats all the day long.
+
+  M is _a_ monkey that close to man ranks,
+  _An_ over-fed monkey that likes to play pranks.
+
+  N is _a_ nightingale, cheerful and bright,
+  _An_ interesting nightingale singing at night.
+
+  O is _an_ owl, independent and free,
+  _A_ very wise owl that lives in a tree.
+
+  P is _a_ pigeon with wide, sweeping tail,
+  _An_ excitable pigeon that carries our mail.
+
+  Q is _a_ quail, going forth for her food,
+  _An_ excellent quail with her pretty young brood.
+
+  R is _a_ rabbit as white as sea foam,
+  _An_ upright, kind rabbit, quite fond of his home.
+
+  S is _a_ swan, of which many are fond,
+  _An_ elegant swan that glides round on the pond.
+
+  T is _a_ tiger that hunters entrap,
+  _An_ indolent tiger, now taking a nap.
+
+  U is _a_ unicorn--how strange he looks--
+  _An_ odd unicorn we find only in books.
+
+  V is _a_ vampire, as everyone knows,
+  _An_ awkward old creature that hangs by its toes.
+
+  W is _a_ weasel, quite fond of fresh meat,
+  _An_ odd-looking weasel, but very discreet.
+
+  X is _a_ xyphoidal whale, I am told,
+  _An_ angry xyphoidal whale, so big and so bold.
+
+  Y is _a_ yak, very much like an ox,
+  _An_ elderly yak with long, bushy, gray locks.
+
+  Z is _a_ zebra, black, yellow, and tan,
+  _An_ obstinate zebra, of slight use to man.
+
+[Illustration: POETRY]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Miss Hare’s school was a very studious place during the fall; but when
+winter set in, some of the pupils began to lose interest in their
+work. The woodchuck, who was the dullest pupil in the language class,
+went to his bed of dried clover one night and forgot to wake up until
+spring had returned. Tiny, himself, felt very sleepy at times, but he
+sat close to the fireplace in the schoolroom and studied as hard as he
+could, determined to get a good education. He did his work well. At
+recess-time he would run out upon the pile of branches that surrounded
+the school building, and play until Miss Hare rang the bell. Sometimes
+he would run a race with Winkie Weasel, but, as he always came out
+ahead, he soon wearied of the pastime.
+
+[Illustration: SOMETIMES HE WOULD RUN A RACE WITH WINKIE WEASEL.]
+
+At dusk he would go to his cozy room, and for an hour or more he and
+Reynard would talk over their lessons and their plans for the future.
+There were no pretty fireflies to make light for them, but, when the
+moon was shining, they could see quite well. They grew contented to lie
+in their soft beds of leaves and reeds, and talk about the coming of
+spring.
+
+One cold night they heard a knock. Reynard, who was feeling homesick,
+opened the door. There stood Puss Snowball, the cat, looking very
+beautiful against the pure white background of ice and snow, upon which
+the moon shone brightly.
+
+“Good evening, Snowball,” said Reynard, kindly. “Will you not come in?”
+
+“I thought I would run over and have a little chat with you,” said
+Snowball, nestling down in the coziest corner of the room. “My, isn’t
+it cold! I believe I have frozen my whiskers and the tip of my nose.”
+
+“Cold weather doesn’t last always,” said Tiny, cheerily. “Reynard and
+I do our work quite as well in cold weather as in warm weather. If it
+were not for the ice and snow, we would not take so much delight in the
+green grass and the spring rains.”
+
+“I suppose not,” said Snowball, his teeth chattering, “but I shouldn’t
+mind the cold weather if I had a more agreeable companion. I can’t
+understand why Miss Hare insists upon my rooming with Rover. You know
+cats and dogs never get along well.”
+
+“If you were too happy together, perhaps you would forget to study,”
+suggested Reynard. “You remember, Snowball, how the monkey and the
+parrot became so sociable that they had to leave School.”
+
+“Oh, Rover is very mannerly in some ways, but he growls and barks too
+much,” complained Snowball, with a sigh. “They say it is natural for
+a dog to bark, although I can’t see why he need be so noisy about
+it. He frightens me almost to death when he barks, and he is very
+unreasonable. To-night he has done many things to tease me. The other
+night he told me that my constant purring was very trying to his
+nerves. You know that a cat never purs unless he is happy, so I suppose
+that my good nature makes him cross. How peculiar some animals are!”
+
+Tiny said that every creature has its peculiarities, and it is best to
+overlook things that do not please us, since we all have disagreeable
+traits of our own.
+
+“We wanted to organize a singing class,” continued Snowball, changing
+the subject, “but when we called in Katie Goose to talk it over with
+us, Billy Beaver thrust his nose through the door and said that Miss
+Hare would never permit us to sing after night. He added that a cat, a
+dog, a goose, and a number of other creatures, would not make a very
+tuneful chorus, however fine we might be as soloists.”
+
+“Billy Beaver can’t sing,” said Reynard. “I can see his reason for
+objecting to a students’ chorus.”
+
+“He is very rude,” said Snowball, severely. “I shall not forget how
+horrid he made me feel the night that Weenie Mouse was missing. I am
+sure that he thought I might have eaten him. I was very glad, indeed,
+when they found Weenie hiding in Miss Hare’s room, nibbling at an ear
+of corn.”
+
+“Recite the poem about the kitten that went to sleep when her mother
+had visitors,” begged Tiny. “I am sure that Reynard would like to hear
+it.”
+
+Without waiting for Reynard to insist, Snowball recited, in his pretty
+purring manner, the following poem, which is said to amuse kittens even
+to the present day:
+
+  TABBY AND PRUE.
+
+  Quoth Dame Tabby Cat to her daughter, Miss Prue,
+    “I shall teach you a lesson, my dear,
+  For I am so very much older than you,
+    And very much wiser, I fear.
+
+  “I felt more ashamed than I ever can tell,
+    When you slept while my callers were here.
+  If you do it again, I will punish you well;
+    I will teach you some manners, my dear.”
+
+  “Shall I sit wide awake while your busy tongues fly?
+    Can I keep my eyes open so long?”
+  “You can, Prudy dear, if you only will try,
+    But you think it is smart to do wrong.”
+
+  The anger of Tabby Cat grew quite intense,
+    When Prue said, “Please listen, I pray.
+  May I speak a few words in my own self-defense?”
+    And Tabby Cat answered, “You may.”
+
+  “I ought not to sleep till your friends go away.
+    Such an act is a sorry mishap;
+  Yet you taught me to do it, for only to-day
+    You talked yourself into a nap.”
+
+  “My friends stayed so long that I hardly could peep,”
+    Said Tabby Cat, heaving a sigh;
+  “But, nevertheless, _you_ must not fall fast asleep,
+    For you are much younger than I.”
+
+“It is a capital story,” laughed Reynard, when Snowball had finished.
+“I saw Tiny laughing many times.”
+
+Before the squirrel could thank the cat for his kindness, Billy Beaver
+pounded at the door, and in another moment stood before them.
+
+“I overheard you talking about me, Mr. Snowball; also about Rover and
+others,” he said, turning to the cat, who, in the moonlight, looked
+very pale and frightened.
+
+“Did I understand you to say that you were eavesdropping?” Snowball
+finally inquired, with a show of dignity.
+
+“It is no worse to eavesdrop than it is to gossip about one’s closest
+friends,” replied the beaver. “I have seen Miss Hare. I told her that
+you were not pleased with your roommate, and she has ordered me to make
+a change. In the future you shall room with Weenie Mouse.”
+
+“How terrible!” exclaimed Puss, greatly shocked. “I shall be under
+restraint all the time. Poor Rover! Perhaps he has had his hard times,
+too. What if I should get vexed at Weenie and swallow him?”
+
+“Miss Hare says that you will never do that, because her pupils are too
+strong to yield to temptation,” said the beaver, seriously.
+
+“But why does Miss Hare punish poor Weenie by making him room with a
+cat?” gasped Puss.
+
+“Because Weenie was found in Miss Hare’s pantry again, helping himself
+to corn and other dainties,” replied Billy Beaver. “Miss Hare wishes
+you to room with Weenie so that you can restrain each other. The best
+way to cure two disturbers who dislike each other is to make them live
+together.”
+
+[Illustration: PANTRY]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+The little animals of Miss Hare’s school were glad when winter was at
+an end. They were anxious to get out of doors; and, when the sun shone
+warmer and the trees began to shoot forth their tender leaves, they
+felt very happy, indeed.
+
+[Illustration: TINY STUDIED HARD, THAT HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GRADUATE
+WITH HIS CLASS IN THE MONTH OF JUNE.]
+
+Tiny studied hard, that he might be able to graduate with his class
+in the month of June. He knew that to graduate did not mean to be
+educated. A thorough knowledge of language and good manners were about
+all that Miss Hare was capable of teaching, for the little creatures
+of Animal Kingdom did not require as much learning as people of the
+great business world. Miss Hare told her pupils many times that
+the schoolroom is simply a place to teach the young how to educate
+themselves. Tiny, from past experience, had learned that some of the
+greatest lessons are taught outside the schoolroom. He often thought of
+the owl prophet, the queen bee, and the City of Ants.
+
+One day Miss Hare gave her pupils a lesson in pronouns, or words used
+for names. These little words were at first troublesome to Tiny, but
+Miss Hare made him use them over and over again, until he understood
+them perfectly. In fact, the words _I_, _we_, _she_, _they_, _who_,
+and _it_, used as subjects of sentences, and _me_, _us_, _him_, _her_,
+_them_, and _whom_, used as the objects of verbs, became almost as
+familiar to Tiny as were good Miss Hare’s spectacles.
+
+In order to keep her pupils from forgetting what they had learned, Miss
+Hare taught them the following little song, which they sang over and
+over again:
+
+  PRONOUNS.
+
+  As the subject of a verb, we may use _I_;
+  Thus, “It was _I_,” or “_I_ have caught a fly;”
+        And we now will name a few
+        Pronouns used as subjects, too:
+  “It was _they_,” “It was _you_,” “It was _who_?”
+
+  We may ask, “_Who_ saw the bee upon the rose?”
+  Or, “_It_ was dressed in very modest clothes,”
+        Or, “_Who_ scared the little bee?”
+        “Was it any of us three?”
+  “Was it _we_?” “Was it _she_?” “Was it _he_?”
+
+  Pronouns may be used as objects, you may see;
+  As, “Good health has kindly favored _him_ and _me_.”
+        Or, “No matter what we do,
+        Love will make _us_ strong and true;”
+  “I love _her_,” “I love _him_,” “I love _you_.”
+
+  We may ask, “From _whom_ did owls learn to boast?”
+  Or, “Around _whom_ does the sunshine linger most?”
+        Or, perchance, may cry in glee,
+        “May good fortune come to _thee_,
+  And to _her_, and to _him_, and to _me_!”
+
+While they were singing their evening song, a knock was heard at the
+door. Miss Hare, who was very cautious, went to the door and called out:
+
+“Who is it?”
+
+“Hoot, hoot, hoot!” was the response.
+
+“To whom am I speaking?” continued the teacher, somewhat embarrassed.
+
+“To Mr. Owl, who lives several leagues away,” was the polite reply.
+
+“Whom do you wish to see?” asked Miss Hare.
+
+“I wish to visit Miss Hare’s school.”
+
+[Illustration: SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND ADMITTED THE OWL PROPHET.]
+
+She opened the door and admitted the owl prophet, whose feathers were
+smoothed down in perfect condition.
+
+“I am very glad to see you,” said the teacher. “It is so seldom you go
+abroad in the daytime that I am honored to have you visit us.”
+
+“Between you and me, I have long been wishing for an opportunity to
+visit your school,” returned the owl with a bow.
+
+“With whom are you living now?” asked Miss Hare, offering him a perch
+by the side of her desk.
+
+“My brother and I are living with the Bat family. I grew tired of my
+old castle, because it was at the edge of the great forest, and the
+wind was too strong there. One night he and I were blown from our
+perches. Mr. and Mrs. Bat took my brother and me to their home. It is
+very comfortable there, and we owls like comfort, you know.”
+
+Mr. Owl then looked over the class with his great, yellow eyes. For the
+first time, Tiny observed that owls’ eyes do not move in their sockets
+as the eyes of most creatures do; but that, to make up for that, nature
+has made it possible for the owl to turn his head almost entirely
+around to see objects. Miss Hare’s eyes were quite different from those
+of Mr. Owl; for she had no eyelids, and Tiny had learned that, when
+she slept, a thin white membrane covered her eyes.
+
+“Will you remain awhile with my pupils and me?” asked Miss Hare.
+
+“Thank you; I’ll stay a few minutes, if I don’t get too sleepy,” said
+Mr. Owl.
+
+When his eyes fell upon Tiny, the little squirrel made a polite bow;
+but the owl prophet stared at him without speaking a word. He evidently
+did not remember the squirrel.
+
+“What has become of Chatty Chipmunk?” he finally asked, after Miss Hare
+had again sat down at her desk.
+
+“He left school some time ago,” said Miss Hare, in a pained voice.
+
+“Why?”
+
+“Because it was necessary to punish him. He was very saucy. Once he
+ridiculed an animal because she had long ears.”
+
+“Whom did he ridicule?”
+
+“Me.”
+
+“I am sorry for that,” said the owl prophet. “Who punished him?”
+
+“I.”
+
+“It served him right, and I am glad he left school,” said the owl,
+flapping his wings in approval. “It makes no difference to either you
+or me.”
+
+“Certainly, not,” replied Miss Hare. “He is to blame, not I. The public
+must blame him, not me.”
+
+“I hope that I never shall bring you another such unworthy pupil,” said
+the owl.
+
+“You brought me one of the best pupils I ever had,” said Miss Hare,
+pointing towards Tiny. “He is the little creature here on the front
+seat.”
+
+Mr. Owl stared at Tiny; and the little animal bowed politely, very much
+embarrassed.
+
+[Illustration: MR. OWL STARED AT TINY AND THE LITTLE ANIMAL BOWED
+POLITELY.]
+
+“Can it be he!” exclaimed the owl. “How you have grown, Tiny! Are you
+really the squirrel whom I found but a few months ago?”
+
+“Yes, I am the squirrel who was lost,” replied Tiny. “You told me how
+to get back to Squirreltown, and taught me many things. I am grateful
+to you, sir.”
+
+Mr. Owl seemed greatly pleased, but he checked Tiny’s polite thanks by
+saying:
+
+“You look much like Chatty Chipmunk.”
+
+“Yes, but he is smaller than I,” replied Tiny with another bow.
+
+For a few minutes Miss Hare and Mr. Owl talked concerning the school.
+It was evident to Tiny that Mr. Owl was one of the trustees and that he
+was doing a great deal to make the school successful, as all trustees
+should do.
+
+At last he turned to the class and said:
+
+“You must all study very hard; for soon the days will get warmer; then
+you will have spring fever. I want each of the graduating class to
+write a composition to be recited on the last day of school. A prize
+will be given to the pupil who writes the best one. He that wins the
+prize will be a very happy creature. Him that wins I will give another
+prize of even greater value.”
+
+The scholars were made very happy by this announcement of Mr. Owl; and,
+while he was preparing to leave, they all rose from their seats and
+stood in respectful silence until Miss Hare sat down again. Then they
+began to study harder than ever before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+When Tiny learned to write letters, he spent many happy hours
+corresponding with his mother and his friends at Squirreltown. Almost
+every day a messenger pigeon brought him a letter, which he read with
+great pleasure. Here are a few of these letters that passed between
+Beaver Creek and Squirreltown:
+
+[Illustration: ALMOST EVERY DAY A MESSENGER PIGEON BROUGHT HIM A
+LETTER.]
+
+  Beaver Creek, Joy Co.,
+  Animal Kingdom,
+  May 1, ----.
+
+  My Dear Mother:
+
+  While you were sleeping away the long, cold winter, I was studying
+  with all my might, trying to keep at the head of my class.
+
+  I like Beaver Creek very much. Miss Hare is a good and capable
+  teacher. I shall be sorry to graduate from here in June, and yet I am
+  anxious to get back to Squirreltown again.
+
+  The spring flowers are blooming all about Beaver Creek. I wish you
+  could see how beautiful they are. The daisy, which is like a white
+  star, opens with the morning sun. The morning glory shuts up its
+  sweet petals before noon. The dandelion opens early, but closes when
+  the heat becomes too great. The anemone, so blue and so fragile,
+  sleeps at the approach of a storm; while the water lily curls up and
+  hides itself in the mud at the bottom of the pond. The marsh marigold
+  is a hardy little flower. It drinks, drinks, drinks, from morning
+  till night, pleased with any kind of weather.
+
+  I will tell you more about the beauties of Beaver Creek, one of
+  these days. In the meantime, please write and tell me about dear old
+  Squirreltown.
+
+  Your affectionate son,
+  TINY.
+
+  Mrs. Jane Redsquirrel,
+  124 Oak Avenue,
+  Squirreltown,
+  Animal Kingdom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  124 Oak Avenue,
+  Squirreltown,
+  Animal Kingdom,
+  May 8, ----.
+
+  My Dear Son:
+
+  I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are well and
+  happy.
+
+  Dr. Flyingsquirrel, the mayor, and many of your friends inquire about
+  you each day. Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel, who have grown quite
+  large since you saw them, are planning to give a party for you when
+  you return.
+
+  You will be glad to learn that Chatty Chipmunk returned home just
+  before winter set in. He had been wandering for a long, long time.
+  Once he thrust his inquisitive nose into a nest of yellow-jackets,
+  and it took him a long time to recover.
+
+  I feel so sorry for the Chipmunks. They are all, with the exception
+  of Chatty, such active, industrious creatures. I fear he will never
+  outlive the bad habits formed in his early youth. He does little but
+  sleep in his round room at the end of the long hall, and eat large
+  quantities of beechnuts.
+
+  Now, my son, learn all you can. Do not eat too many acorns, and be
+  sure to keep your fur clean and smooth.
+
+  Your devoted mother,
+  JANE REDSQUIRREL.
+
+  Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,
+  Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  Beech Hotel,
+  Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom,
+  May 14, ----.
+
+  Dear Friend:
+
+  I received your jolly letter, and I am going to show my appreciation
+  by sending an early reply.
+
+  Sister Peggy and I are spending a few days with our friend, Polly
+  Blacksquirrel. We are all well, after our long winter’s nap, and are
+  enjoying ourselves greatly.
+
+  The other day, Polly took Peggy and me down to the pond to hear a
+  famous orchestra. We sat upon a mossy seat close to the blue water,
+  and patiently waited until all the musicians had come out of the
+  water and had taken their seats on the green lily pads. The leader
+  of the band was very pompous, and his white vest was covered with
+  medals. I had to laugh at the airs he put on.
+
+  The musicians, of course, were frogs, and they all wore green coats
+  and white vests. They looked so odd with their bulging eyes and
+  swelling throats! One large bull frog played a bass viol. He was a
+  savage fellow, and, frequently, he would go down into the water to
+  eat poor little tadpoles.
+
+  Now you know that gray squirrels are more fond of music than are any
+  other kind of squirrel; but, so far as I am concerned, I do not like
+  to be too close to a frog orchestra.
+
+  Is it not queer that frogs and fishes, both of which live in the
+  water, are so unlike? Polly’s father said that if a frog keeps his
+  mouth open very long, he will die; while a fish has to keep his mouth
+  open most of the time to permit his breathing organs to act properly.
+
+  Peggy and Polly join me in sending you our kindest regards.
+
+  Your true friend,
+  BUSHY GRAYSQUIRREL.
+
+  Tiny Redsquirrel, Esq.,
+  Beaver Creek,
+  Animal Kingdom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,
+  May 18, ----.
+
+  My Dear Dr. Flyingsquirrel:
+
+  Mother told me that you would appreciate a letter from me; so, on
+  this beautiful morning, I have decided to write to you.
+
+  Yesterday, Miss Hare and we pupils were out in the thicket and on the
+  great moor east of Beaver Creek. We were studying nature, by which to
+  test the books that we read.
+
+  My companion was Winkie Weasel. He has a long, lean body, and a
+  short, black tail. He is very good-natured most of the time, but,
+  occasionally, he gets very angry over small things. Then his nose
+  seems to grow pointed, and his eyes turn green. He wears a yellow
+  coat now. Later he will change it for a dark brown one, while in
+  winter he wears white. Although Winkie takes things that do not
+  belong to him and tries to act innocent, I like him because he is so
+  bright and shrewd.
+
+  Such a glorious day as it was! The birds were chattering all about
+  us, building nests in which to rear their broods. Miss Hare said I
+  was fortunate to be able to climb so well, for it gave me such good
+  opportunities to inspect birds and their nests.
+
+  Once we were startled by a loud thump! thump! thump! Then we heard
+  a chorus of piping voices, and saw a covey of partridges running
+  through the tall grass. They are peculiar little creatures, and they
+  never try to run until some one almost steps upon them. They were out
+  hunting for seeds, buds, and insects. Miss Hare told us that the
+  partridge wears bristles that serve as snowshoes in winter, so it can
+  walk on the soft snow without sinking.
+
+  We saw pigeons fluttering about in the blue sky, while swallows, with
+  graceful, slender wings, flitted by, busily building their nests.
+
+  The sweet scent of spring had brought the cuckoos to the north. I
+  could see one of them flying in a very straight line, his long tail
+  steadying his flight. I have always loved the voice of the cuckoo;
+  but I do not admire the bird, since Miss Hare has told me how very
+  unprincipled she is.
+
+  I should like to tell you about some of the other birds I saw, but I
+  fear you would think my letter too long. Busy people like you do not
+  like to waste so much time reading letters.
+
+  Wishing you health and success, I am,
+
+  Yours very respectfully,
+  TINY REDSQUIRREL.
+
+  Dr. Airy Flyingsquirrel,
+  64 Hickory Ave.,
+  Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  64 Hickory Ave.,
+  Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom,
+  May 25, ----.
+
+  Dear Tiny:
+
+  Your letter filled my heart with delight. We old squirrels appreciate
+  letters from our young friends, and we are glad to be remembered in
+  our declining years. The young who remember the old will be rewarded
+  when they themselves are no longer young.
+
+  I, too, fly about a great deal, studying the various birds and their
+  eggs. You wrote about the cuckoo, and I agree with you that she is a
+  very unprincipled creature.
+
+  She lays her eggs on the hard ground, because she and her mate are
+  too indolent to build a nest. She places her eggs in various nests
+  for other birds to hatch. Usually she prefers robins’ nests, for they
+  are very comfortable. You can imagine how surprised the robin or any
+  other bird would be, when its brood hatches, to find among the number
+  a large, healthy cuckoo with a wide mouth and an enormous appetite.
+  But the kind foster parents feed the young cuckoo just as they do
+  their own children.
+
+  And what does the cuckoo orphan do to repay such kindness? He eats
+  and sleeps and grows larger all the time; and, finally, one day when
+  the old birds are away, he tumbles his foster brothers and sisters
+  out of the nest, and stretches himself out comfortably, waiting
+  for his dinner. The selfish, cruel bird never thinks of anyone but
+  himself. When his foster parents return, they are grieved not to find
+  their little ones, but they do not scold the cuckoo at all. They keep
+  on feeding him until he is full-fledged. Then, on some bright day,
+  he takes wings and flies away, leaving his foster parents to grieve
+  after him.
+
+  Jenny Wren is a neat, modest little body. Do you know her? She wears
+  a plain brown gown, for she has so much to do she cannot dress very
+  stylishly. Her wings are hard and stiff, so she can beat the air when
+  she flies; but the feathers close to her tiny body are soft and warm.
+
+  She likes to build her nest beneath the gnarled roots of a tree or
+  against a stone in a bed of moss. It is covered with a little dome
+  and has a tiny door, which opens on the sunny side. I once peeped
+  into Jenny’s home and found it neat and cozy. An orderly housekeeper
+  she is, I can tell you! Her bed is made of fine feathers, hair, and
+  delicate grasses. The roof of her home is made of moss, twigs, and
+  lichens.
+
+  We are all very well, and we hope that you will call to see us soon
+  after your return home.
+
+  Cordially yours,
+  AIRY FLYINGSQUIRREL.
+
+  Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,
+  Beaver Creek,
+  Joy Co., Animal Kingdom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+Reynard caught a cold just two weeks before Miss Hare’s school closed
+for the summer. He was very ill, indeed; but Tiny, Snowball, and his
+other friends did all they could to make him comfortable.
+
+[Illustration: MISS HARE SPENT ONE EVENING WITH REYNARD. PUSS SNOWBALL,
+WINKIE WEASEL AND TINY WERE PRESENT.]
+
+Miss Hare spent one evening with Reynard. Puss Snowball, Winkie Weasel,
+and Tiny were present. They had a pleasant time, in Reynard’s humble
+room, which the stars made almost bright as day.
+
+“Shall I get you some corn?” Miss Hare finally asked.
+
+“I don’t want no corn,” groaned Reynard, whose head ached severely.
+
+“Very well, I will bring you some,” said Miss Hare, rising to leave the
+room.
+
+“I don’t want no corn!” repeated Reynard, so surprised that his head
+almost stopped aching.
+
+“That means that you _do_ want some corn,” laughed Miss Hare. “I
+suppose you meant to say that you _don’t_ want _any_ corn, or that you
+want _no_ corn. Be careful what you say, Reynard, and never use two
+denying words where the meaning needs but one. The other day I heard
+you say, ‘I haven’t seen _nothing_,’ which meant that you must have
+seen _something_. You also said, ‘He is _not_ doing _nothing_,’ which
+meant that he was doing _something_.”
+
+“Thank you, Miss Hare,” said Reynard, with chagrin. “I know that I am
+sometimes very careless in the use of English. But now my head feels so
+much better that perhaps, after all, _I don’t_ need _no_ corn.”
+
+Miss Hare laughed again, with more pleasure this time, and gave him a
+few kernels of corn which she had brought with her.
+
+“Now we must do something to amuse Reynard,” said Miss Hare,
+pleasantly. “What shall we do?”
+
+“I should like to hear Snowball sing a song,” said Reynard. “He sings
+good.”
+
+“He does not sing _good_, but he sings _well_,” corrected Miss Hare, in
+a low voice to Reynard. “Will you sing, Snowball?”
+
+“I can’t sing to-night,” said Snowball. “I, too, have a bad cold.”
+
+“You have a _severe_ cold,” said Miss Hare. “It is as wrong to say
+that you have a _bad_ cold as it is to say that you received a _good_
+whipping.”
+
+Snowball was one of those individuals who do not like to be corrected,
+so for a few moments he shrugged his shoulders and pouted.
+
+Miss Hare turned towards Tiny and said in a cheerful voice:
+
+“Perhaps Tiny will tell us about Squirreltown.”
+
+“Good! good!” shouted enthusiastic Winkie Weasel, leaping awkwardly
+into the air to show his delight. “Tell us about the time you wandered
+through the great forest and did not know where you were at.”
+
+“Fy, fy, Winkie!” cried his teacher, shaking with laughter. “How you
+abuse such useful little words as _at_, _to_, and _for_. You make them
+work when they should be resting. You say that Tiny did not know where
+he was _at_, nor where he was going _to_, when you should say that Tiny
+did not know where he was, nor where he was going. One should not place
+_at_, _to_, _for_, or some other _unnecessary_ little word at the end
+of a sentence.”
+
+Snowball was very glad to hear the teacher correct Winkie, and soon he
+regained his usual good humor.
+
+“Winkie and I are both alike in our use of bad English,” he chuckled.
+
+“You are especially apt to use unnecessary words, Snowball,” said Miss
+Hare. “Why should you say ‘Winkie and I are _both_ alike,’ when it
+takes less time to say, ‘Winkie and I are alike’?”
+
+Snowball stared stupidly for a while, but did not seem vexed.
+
+“I thought to myself that Snowball was making an incorrect statement,”
+tittered Winkie.
+
+“Of course, you thought to yourself,” said the teacher with a twinkle
+in her eye. “You certainly could not think aloud.”
+
+“No, but he knows how to laugh aloud,” said Snowball, somewhat
+scornfully.
+
+“Now, Tiny, you may tell us something about Squirreltown,” said Miss
+Hare.
+
+Tiny did not feel so brave about talking as he did on the day he tried
+to address the mayor and citizens of his native town, for he knew that
+his present audience was a very critical one. However, he began:
+
+“A wide path leads into Squirreltown. At the place where it enters the
+city it is very wide indeed. An oak tree stands on both sides of this
+path--”
+
+“How strange!” interrupted Miss Hare. “Isn’t it rather unusual for a
+tree to stand on both sides of a path?”
+
+“There are two trees,” stammered Tiny.
+
+“Oh, I see,” said Miss Hare, a flash of understanding shining in her
+eyes. “You mean to say that on _each_ side of the path there is an oak
+tree.”
+
+“Yes, ma’am,” replied Tiny, with a nod. “The trees in the city do not
+contain many acorns, but these two trees are filled full of them.”
+
+“Of course, if they are _filled_ with acorns, they must be _full_ of
+them,” laughed Miss Hare. “It sounds as badly to say _filled full_ as
+it does to say _little small_. Just how are the trees filled with
+acorns, Tiny? Are the trunks hollow?”
+
+“The branches of the two trees,” bravely continued Tiny, “bear so many
+acorns that they could yield all the squirrels in the land an acorn.”
+
+“Then the branches can not bear very many acorns,” said Miss Hare. “One
+acorn could not very well be divided among such a host of squirrels.”
+
+“I mean that these two trees could yield _each_ squirrel in the land an
+acorn,” said Tiny, with energy.
+
+“That is right,” said Miss Hare, much pleased. “Tiny is one who thinks,
+and I believe that in time he will learn to speak correctly.”
+
+“I have lived in Squirreltown nearly all my life, and--”
+
+“How many squirrels live there?” interrupted the teacher.
+
+“Several hundred,” replied Tiny, proudly.
+
+“Then it is not such a great city, after all. It would be better to say
+that you lived _at_ Squirreltown. When it becomes a great city, you can
+say that you lived _in_ Squirreltown.”
+
+“I lived on Oak Avenue--”
+
+“It is better to say that you lived _in_ Oak Avenue,” suggested Miss
+Hare.
+
+“One day a bear met my mother with crooked teeth, and--”
+
+“Who had crooked teeth, the bear or your mother?” tittered Snowball.
+
+“The bear, to be sure,” retorted Tiny, growing quite indignant.
+
+“You should place your helping phrases where they will give the right
+meaning,” said Miss Hare. “There are many animals ready to make sport
+of us if we are not careful to say just what we mean.”
+
+“Really, I am so puzzled that I have forgotten what I intended to say,”
+said Tiny, sitting down. “I cannot say properly where I am, or where I
+live, or anything else. All I know is that I am very dull.”
+
+“You are not dull,” declared Miss Hare. “When an animal finds out that
+he has much to learn, it is a good indication that he really knows
+something. Only the ignorant are satisfied with their own imperfect way
+of speaking. Now I will sing for you a little lullaby that an otter
+formerly sang to her little one every night:”
+
+  SONG OF REST.
+
+  “_Set_ down your basket, busy little one;
+    Please _set_ it where it _sat_ yesterday,
+  And let it _sit_ there while I sing the song
+    You love to hear when daylight turns to gray.
+
+  “Now you _have set_ the basket in its place;
+    It _sits_ just where you _set_ it oft before.
+  _Sit_ down beside me; do not speak a word,
+    And I will hush my babe to sleep once more.
+
+  “Now we _are sitting_ in the fading light,
+    As we _have sat_ before so many times.
+  While mother held you closely to her breast,
+    And evening bells rang out their golden chimes.
+
+  “_Lay_ down your toys, my busy little one.
+    When you _have laid_ them down I’ll sing to you;
+  We’ll let them _lie_ until the rosy morn
+    Again peeps o’er the valley bathed in dew.
+
+  “_Lie_ down; _lie_ closely as you _lay_ last night.
+    See, mother _lies_ beside her little one,
+  Just as she _lay_ last night to guard your rest
+    Until the east was lighted by the sun.
+
+  “Now _lie_ until your active little frame
+    Is tired of _lying_ in the same old way;
+  When we _have lain_ till sleep has sped again
+    We’ll rise to greet another joyous day.”
+
+Hardly had Miss Hare finished singing the lullaby, when Billy Beaver
+began thumping with his tail to let all the students of Beaver Creek
+know that it was time to retire.
+
+“Goodnight, Reynard. I hope you will sleep well,” said the teacher
+kindly. “Goodnight, Tiny and Snowball and Winkie. I hope that my
+criticisms will benefit you. Remember that I meant them all in
+kindness. Is there anything I can do for you, Reynard?”
+
+“Yes, please,” said the fox, hoarsely. “Tell Billy to bring me a cold
+pan of water.”
+
+“Poor fox! Poor fox! I will tell him to bring you a pan of _cold
+water_,” said Miss Hare, with a hearty laugh that set her long ears to
+bobbing. “It makes little difference whether or not the _pan_ is cold.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+On Saturday afternoon Tiny and Winkie Weasel went out for a frolic in
+the forest beyond the river. Reynard Redfox had almost recovered from
+his severe cold, but he stayed at home, thinking of the golden summer
+so near at hand with its red strawberries and wild grapes.
+
+Winkie came from a family of very bloodthirsty and suspicious
+character, but Miss Hare’s teachings had made him as gentle as Weenie
+Mouse. Although Tiny had been taught to shun weasels, he had become
+quite fond of Winkie, because he was bright and active.
+
+Side by side they made their way through the deep forest. The birds
+sang merrily and the sun shone brightly. Lady’s-slippers with
+lemon-colored pouches and long slender leaves grew in the damp, low
+grounds. Occasionally a rose-colored one nodded its fairy head at them.
+
+“Summer will come soon,” said Tiny, his voice ringing with happiness.
+
+“Yes,” replied Winkie, as he stopped to sniff at a fallen log. “How
+glad I am that cold weather has passed away!”
+
+A turn in the path brought them to a clump of hazel bushes, where a
+queer spectacle met their gaze. An animal covered with mud and moss
+was trailing along towards the creek. A striped gopher, a queer little
+animal with bloated cheeks and no neck at all, was annoying the poor
+creature by jumping upon its back.
+
+[Illustration: A QUEER LITTLE ANIMAL WITH BLOATED CHEEKS AND NO NECK AT
+ALL WAS TORMENTING THE POOR CREATURE BY JUMPING UPON ITS BACK.]
+
+“It is a turtle,” said Tiny, who had seen creatures of its kind before.
+“It has just awakened from its winter slumber. You know that a turtle
+settles down in the mud as soon as the frost kills the insects, and
+there it stays until warm weather comes again.”
+
+“Stop teasing that turtle!” cried Winkie to the gopher. “If you do not
+cease, you shall feel the points of my teeth. Come here.”
+
+The gopher jumped from the turtle’s back, and, holding his head to one
+side, said good-naturedly:
+
+“I am tired of teasing the slothful turtle, but I am not too tired to
+run a race with you. Let us see which of us three will beat in a race.”
+
+Winkie readily consented; but, just as they had drawn up in line to
+take a dash down the narrow pathway, a deep growl resounded through the
+thicket. Quick as a flash Winkie darted into a hollow stump.
+
+[Illustration: “FOLLOW ME,” SAID THE GOPHER, AS HE DISAPPEARED INTO A
+HOLE IN THE GROUND.]
+
+“Follow me,” said the gopher, quite self-possessed, as he disappeared
+into a hole in the ground. Tiny did not like the idea of being under
+ground, nor was he fond of animals that burrow; but he obeyed, for he
+was frightened. He trembled violently.
+
+They entered a dark hall, at the end of which was a little, round room
+containing a comfortable bed of soft grasses and fur.
+
+“This is a cozy place,” said Tiny, sinking down to rest.
+
+“It is my home,” said the little animal. “I suppose you know that I
+am Jolly Gopher. It is fortunate that you happened to be so near my
+residence when the panther happened along. Panthers are rare in this
+temperate zone, and I am glad of it. What if the savage beast had
+attacked me while I was riding? I am glad that you like my humble home.”
+
+“It is a restful place for lazy animals, but I should not like to dwell
+here,” said Tiny, frankly. “I always distrusted creatures that burrow
+in the ground away from the air and sunshine, until I went to Miss
+Hare’s school.”
+
+“What has Miss Hare’s school to do with it?” asked the gopher, his
+mouth open.
+
+“I learned that Mother Earth,” said Tiny, “is kind indeed to poor
+little defenseless animals, whom she protects from savage animals and
+hunters. Animals all live where they can have the greatest safety. The
+fish lives in the depths of the water, the squirrel in the tree, the
+cricket under a rock, and the gopher in the ground. How fortunate it is
+that we do not all live in the same place!”
+
+“I am fond of living down in the ground,” resumed the gopher after a
+moment of silence. “No panther nor any other beast bigger than myself
+can meddle with my affairs. I saunter forth early in the morning and
+fill my pockets with fresh, green things. You see that my pockets hang
+down from my cheeks. I hurry back and stow away my food. When it rains,
+I stay indoors and sleep and eat. A gopher’s life is a very peaceful
+one.”
+
+“I wish I might have pockets,” said Tiny, wistfully. “We squirrels
+don’t have them, you know. I believe I am the only squirrel that
+carries a hunting bag. It was made for me by a tailor bird. She is
+a rare and curious bird who makes a nest that looks like a bag. She
+selects tough leaves and sews them together with long, firm strips of
+growing plants. She uses her bill as a needle.”
+
+“How remarkable!” exclaimed the gopher. “I think it would be nicer to
+carry a hunting bag than to have pockets in my cheeks. Sometimes my
+pockets are so full I can’t get inside my house.”
+
+“The bee also has pockets--six little pockets,” said Tiny, reflectively.
+
+“And the opossum and several other animals have pockets in which they
+carry their children,” added the gopher wisely.
+
+“You seem to observe things as much as I do,” said Tiny, admiringly.
+
+“Yes, I travel a great deal and have seen many queer things,” replied
+the gopher, proudly.
+
+[Illustration: SHE IS ABOUT THE ONLY ANIMAL THAT DOES NOT FEAR THE
+STING OF A BEE.]
+
+“Once I burrowed down into a badger’s home,” he went on. “I saw the
+nursery with the little badgers playing about in their bed of moss and
+grass. The mother badger was very civil to me. She is about the only
+animal that does not fear the sting of a bee, because her skin is so
+tough and her hair is so thick. It seems to me that of all animals, the
+badger is treated with the greatest cruelty. When the hunters catch
+her, they permit their dogs to torture her to death. The harder the
+poor creature fights to get away, the worse they abuse her, and the
+greater it pleases the cruel hunters. Sometimes the poor animal endures
+this brutal treatment for a full day.”
+
+“I have often heard that the verb _to badger_ means _to tease_, or _to
+torment_,” said Tiny.
+
+“I do not know anything about verbs,” replied the gopher, “but I do
+know that some hunters are very cruel.”
+
+“Have you ever seen a mole’s nest?” asked Tiny.
+
+“Oh, yes, when I was quite small, I had the privilege of visiting one,”
+replied the gopher enthusiastically. “You may think that the mole is a
+very stupid animal, but I assure you that he is not.”
+
+“An animal that lives in the dirt all the time couldn’t be very
+intelligent,” interrupted Tiny. “Besides, his eyes and ears are so
+small, he surely cannot see and hear well.”
+
+“Little eyes and ears are often more keen than larger ones,” quickly
+replied Jolly Gopher. “Do you suppose that a giraffe can see or hear
+better than you can? It is fortunate that the mole has such tiny eyes
+and ears, otherwise they would catch a great deal of dirt, as the
+little animal burrows through the earth. The mole is very clean in
+appearance. He sleeps three hours and then he works three hours as
+long as he lives. He is a great builder; he sinks wells to quench his
+thirst; he can run fast; he can swim; and he can fight. He loves his
+home in the ground. He seldom comes out.”
+
+“Does he have a nice bed like yours?” asked Tiny, much interested.
+
+“Indeed, he has,” said the gopher. “His home is one of the most
+wonderful things I have ever seen. It is reached by passing through one
+of several long, straight halls. The walls are so solid that the rain
+seldom leaks through. I went into one of these halls, and with some
+difficulty made my way into another one, which was circular. From this
+hall five passages led to another hall above my head. I stopped at the
+foot of the nearest passage to rest. Then I went up. The upper hall was
+circular, but not so large as the lower one. I knew that I was at the
+summit of the mole hill, for I could plainly hear the birds singing
+overhead. From this upper circular hall three more passages led down to
+the main room. I went down into this room and sat very quietly there
+for a few moments. I wondered why the mole had made it so difficult to
+get into his house.”
+
+“I suppose he wants to make his house as safe as possible,” suggested
+the squirrel.
+
+“Precisely so,” said the gopher. “If he and his family hear some
+vicious animal coming through one of the long halls, they have a chance
+to escape. The central room is a kind of fortress where they seek
+protection.”
+
+“Did you ever see any of the little moles?” asked Tiny, excitedly.
+
+“No. I learned afterwards that their nursery was built at a point where
+two or more of the long halls cross one another. It was situated in an
+out of the way place with many avenues of escape. Their bed was made of
+blades of grass and other soft material. I am sure that the nest of a
+mole is safer than that of a goldfinch hanging high up in a tree. Why
+does the goldfinch usually build her nest at the end of a branch?”
+
+“Because she likes to have her nest dance up and down and sway about
+in the breeze,” said Tiny. “The goldfinch builds very well. Her nest
+is made of lichens and moss and sheep’s wool, and is so fashioned that
+the little birds cannot roll out. What jolly times the goldfinches must
+have teetering up and down in a roomy nest on a starlit night!”
+
+“Yet they surely suffer when it storms, while the little moles are
+never bothered by lightning and thunder,” quickly interposed the
+gopher. “I suppose it is fortunate that all animals do not have the
+same ideas about things.”
+
+“I should like to hear something about prairie dogs,” said Tiny, after
+a while.
+
+“I will gladly tell you,” returned the gopher, settling himself more
+comfortably. “Sometimes hundreds of prairie dogs live together in one
+city. It is interesting to watch the round towers of their dwellings.
+Most prairie dogs have small brown eyes and grayish-red fur. Although
+they are agile little animals, they do not work much. You would laugh
+to see them when they bark, for they shake their stumpy tails and jerk
+to and fro. They yelp like dogs. Some of them act as guards and sit out
+upon their roofs all day long, looking about the horizon. When an enemy
+approaches, they bark loudly and rush into their houses, and all the
+chattering ceases. For a while the city is as quiet as night; but, in
+a few minutes, many inquisitive, dark eyes peep out to see if danger
+still threatens them.”
+
+“Their city must be a very lively place,” observed Tiny.
+
+“Many other animals visit there,” said the gopher. “All kinds of
+vicious creatures flock to a great city, you know. The prairie dogs
+are often molested by hawks, burrowing owls, and coyotes. I believe I
+prefer to live in the country.”
+
+“I am quite satisfied with my mode of living, as we all should be,”
+said Tiny. “I have been greatly benefited by learning about these
+animals. If one should get blue or homesick or discouraged, it would
+pay him to visit a gopher and find out how other less fortunate animals
+live. Then he would return home quite contented with his lot. I thank
+you for teaching me so much.”
+
+“You are welcome,” replied the gopher. “I, too, have learned from you,
+so we have been mutually helped. I never knew before that it is wrong
+to engage in any kind of sport that gives pain to another. Henceforth I
+will never tease a turtle or take a ride on his back.”
+
+“I must go,” declared Tiny, rising from his downy couch.
+
+“Stay longer,” pleaded the gopher. “The moon rises early, and--”
+
+“That is no reason why I should go to bed late,” interrupted Tiny. “My
+teacher may worry about me. Goodby, Mr. Gopher.”
+
+“Goodby. You must come back,” replied the gopher sleepily.
+
+Before Tiny could reach the door, his acquaintance with the pockets in
+his cheeks was fast asleep.
+
+The little red squirrel’s heart beat with joy and thankfulness when the
+dewy air, laden with the sweet fragrance of early summer, again greeted
+his nostrils. With nimble leaps he made his way through the leaf-strewn
+pathway to the edge of the crystal stream. Before him lay the quaint
+beaver houses that had become so dear to him, while beyond, the pink
+western skies faded softly into gray, like the happy days of his youth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+About two weeks before the close of school, Miss Hare met with a
+misfortune. Because of the great amount of work she had to do, grading
+examination papers, her eyes became so weak that she scarcely could
+use them. Tiny felt sorry for the patient, hard-working teacher, and
+offered to be of assistance to her.
+
+“You may come into the schoolroom and help me,” she said to him one
+Saturday morning. “I have a number of important letters to write. You
+are very painstaking, and I shall be glad to have your assistance.”
+
+Tiny followed her into the room and sat down beside the desk, very
+happy to be of some use to one he so thoroughly respected. The material
+upon which he wrote was not so white and smooth as the paper used in
+schoolrooms nowadays. It was simply birch bark that could be rolled
+up and tied with heavy grass. The ink he used was the juice of the
+pokeberry, and his pen was a goose quill.
+
+[Illustration: AS SOON AS HE HAD WRITTEN A LETTER, HE ROLLED IT NEATLY,
+ADDRESSED IT CAREFULLY, AND GAVE IT TO BILLY BEAVER, WHO CALLED A
+CARRIER PIGEON.]
+
+As soon as he had written a letter, he rolled it neatly, addressed it
+carefully, and gave it to Billy Beaver, who called a carrier pigeon to
+take it to its place of destination.
+
+During the hour that Tiny spent in the schoolroom that morning, he
+learned about money orders and drafts, for it is said that at one time
+the more enlightened residents of Animal Kingdom made use of them.
+
+Here are a few letters that Tiny either wrote or read for Miss Hare:
+
+1. BUSINESS LETTER.
+
+  Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,
+  May 25,----
+
+  Messrs. Sheep, Goat & Co.,
+  63, 65, 67 Bleat Street,
+  Herd City, Animal Kingdom.
+
+  Gentlemen:
+
+  Please send at your earliest convenience the following articles for
+  use in my boarding school:
+
+   2 quarts milk.
+  15 pounds wool.
+   1 dozen quills.
+
+  I enclose money order for three dollars.
+
+  Yours respectfully,
+  (MISS) MOLLY HARE.
+
+2. BUSINESS LETTER.
+
+  Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,
+  May 25,----
+
+  Messrs. Fido, Carlo & Co.,
+  Dogtown, Animal Kingdom.
+
+  Gentlemen:
+
+  Please send by Pony Express:
+
+  1 uniform for janitor, size No. 3.
+  2 yards horsehair cloth, as per sample.
+  1 school bench, as per catalogue.
+
+  Enclosed find draft for ten dollars ($10).
+
+  Respectfully,
+  (MISS) MOLLY HARE.
+
+3. BUSINESS LETTER.
+
+  118 Hill Avenue,
+  Rolling City,
+  May 16,----
+
+  Miss Molly Hare,
+  Principal, Beaver Creek School,
+  Beaver Creek, Animal Kingdom.
+
+  Dear Madam:
+
+  For the enclosed money order ($1.25) please send to my address “The
+  Beaver Creek School Journal” for one year, beginning next month.
+
+  Yours truly,
+  JUMPINGTON PRAIRIEDOG.
+
+4. INFORMAL NOTE.
+
+  Dear Miss Hare:
+
+  Please excuse Glossy Marten from school all next week on account of
+  illness in the family.
+
+  Will you kindly tell her to travel via Central Route to avoid danger?
+
+  Very respectfully yours,
+  MRS. BEAUTY MARTEN.
+
+5. INFORMAL NOTE.
+
+  Dear Miss Turkey:
+
+  Will you lay aside your work for a short time and dine with me
+  Wednesday at 5 o’clock?
+
+  Sincerely yours,
+  MOLLY HARE.
+
+6. FORMAL NOTE.
+
+  Miss Pet Pheasant requests the pleasure of Miss Hare’s company on
+  Tuesday evening, May thirtieth, from four to seven o’clock.
+
+  13 Forest Edge Street.
+
+7. NOTE OF ACCEPTANCE.
+
+  Miss Molly Hare is pleased to accept Miss Pet Pheasant’s kind
+  invitation for Wednesday evening, May thirtieth.
+
+  Beaver Creek, May twenty-fifth.
+
+8. INVITATION.
+
+  Miss Brownie Mink
+  at home
+  Thursday evening, June first
+  from six to eight o’clock
+
+  14 Water Front
+
+9. NOTE OF REGRET.
+
+  Miss Molly Hare regrets that a previous engagement prevents her from
+  accepting Miss Brownie Mink’s kind invitation for Thursday evening,
+  June first.
+
+  Beaver Creek, May twenty-fifth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“This has been a very pleasant task, I assure you,” said Tiny, when
+his work was done. “I have learned how to write a business letter,
+which is an important thing to know. I never before had heard of money
+orders and drafts. You know we do not have those things, nor money, nor
+stores, at Squirreltown.”
+
+“Only a few of the more intelligent animals know anything about
+business,” replied Miss Hare. “I know of only two large department
+stores and three banks in Animal Kingdom. I have heard that the
+ancient human beings used shells for money; but, finally, they
+established the use of coins, because they were valued by all classes
+of people. If the hunters would not molest us, Animal Kingdom would
+imitate the human race and become very much enlightened. Some day I
+hope you may visit the department store of Sheep, Goat & Co., and see
+for yourself how animals are advancing in knowledge. I understand that
+this great store employs almost a dozen clerks.”
+
+“I have also learned how to write an invitation and notes of regret and
+acceptance. They seem to be very simple in their construction,” said
+Tiny, placing the quill in a shell filled with sand.
+
+“No self-respecting animal should neglect his correspondence, no matter
+how busy he may be,” said Miss Hare. “As a rule, one who hates to write
+letters is one who cannot write them well. It is necessary that one
+should write social and business letters, and learn how to make them
+clear and forceful. Now you may rest. I thank you for your services,
+Tiny.”
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The red squirrel, with a polite bow, returned to his room, much pleased
+because he had pleased some one else.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+Tiny’s last ramble through the copse near Beaver Creek was one that
+he never forgot. He was beginning to realize how much more pleasing
+are the works of Nature when one really takes an interest in them. He
+had learned to study even the snail in his shell house and the Venus’
+fly-trap that catches insects.
+
+“Aren’t the skies blue, and the trees and grasses green, and the music
+of the birds sweet, and the busy hum of the insects inspiring?” he
+asked himself again and again.
+
+Once he stopped to admire the graceful foliage of the alder tree.
+
+“That tree has some secrets hidden away that I mean to find out,” said
+he, as he scurried up its smooth trunk. He gazed through the branches.
+At last he espied a nest. It was built of coarse sticks.
+
+“What an odd place for a jay bird’s home!” he exclaimed. “I never could
+understand why the jay does not build a comfortable nest like that of
+the robin. Perhaps he fears he might spoil his little ones by making
+them too comfortable.”
+
+Next he saw a queer object that held his attention for a long time. A
+caterpillar was hanging from a leaf. Tiny thought that it was about
+to fall, but the little worm held fast with all its might. It was
+attaching a fine thread to the point of a leaf, but it worked harder
+than the man who fells a tree.
+
+“Do not molest that caterpillar,” said a voice from a limb overhead.
+
+Tiny looked up and saw a peculiar animal with a long, pointed face
+and sharp teeth, hanging head downward from a limb overhead. With a
+startled cry, the squirrel hid in a thick branch.
+
+“You need not fear me, for I do not eat squirrels,” said the odd
+creature. “I am looking for birds. I should think you would be ashamed
+to attack a poor little caterpillar.”
+
+“Never in my life have I molested a caterpillar,” declared Tiny. “I
+should think you would be ashamed to attack birds.”
+
+“Well, everything depends upon the point of view,” replied the larger
+animal. “I am not responsible if my views do not agree with your own,
+for I see things upside down.”
+
+[Illustration: “WHY DO YOU HANG BY YOUR TAIL?” TINY ASKED.]
+
+“Why do you hang by your tail?” asked Tiny. From his hiding place he
+peeped at the curious animal.
+
+“Because I am an opossum, and I am wise enough to know that tails were
+made to hang by. I couldn’t hang by my neck, could I?”
+
+“I suppose not,” replied Tiny, with a laugh. “Reynard, Snowball, and
+Rover have strong tails. I will tell them that they should cultivate
+the use of them, as the opossum does.”
+
+“I’ll be glad to teach them how,” said the opossum, not in the least
+offended at the squirrel’s amusement. Tiny drew closer to get a better
+view of his new acquaintance. He could look into his eyes.
+
+“Reynard, Snowball, or Rover is going with me to-morrow. I should like
+you to teach some of your amusing tricks to the one who comes.”
+
+The opossum laughed so hard that Tiny feared he would lose his hold and
+fall upon him.
+
+“Neither Reynard, Rover, nor Snowball is likely to be benefited by
+anything that I may teach him,” said the opossum, evidently much
+pleased by Tiny’s suggestion. “Neither the birds nor the animals admire
+me.”
+
+“I do not dislike you,” said Tiny, truthfully.
+
+“I am not so dull as one might think. I can sit up and I can hang by my
+tail.”
+
+“I can sit up, but I cannot hang by my tail,” said Tiny. “Some
+squirrels can fly, but I am sure I can beat any flying squirrel in
+a race. A red, a gray, and a black squirrel live close together at
+Squirreltown. The mayor sends them with messages to other neighboring
+towns. They are as swift as lightning.”
+
+“Perhaps you wonder why I am looking so closely at that caterpillar,”
+said the opossum, without stopping to argue concerning the fleetness of
+squirrels. “All morning long I have watched with anxious eyes.”
+
+“Perhaps you want to see what he is trying to do,” suggested Tiny.
+
+“The caterpillar does not interest me at all,” said the opossum
+rather brusquely. “I am waiting for a bird to come along to catch the
+caterpillar. Before the bird catches the worm, I shall catch the bird--”
+
+“And perhaps some hunter will catch you before you can catch the bird,”
+interrupted Tiny.
+
+“You are right,” said the opossum. “Every animal always seems to be
+ready to catch another one. I like pretty birds as you like plump
+acorns. A yellow, brown, and blue bird is a very attractive creature.
+An ugly sparrow is not half so pleasing to me as a golden oriole.”
+
+“I am sorry that you like to destroy birds,” said Tiny, who had
+learned to love the little feathered songsters of the forest. “You are
+cowardly. You attack birds. They are smaller than you.”
+
+“I am cowardly but cautious,” returned the opossum. “I should be
+foolish to try to capture an eagle. I have caught six little birds this
+morning. The first, second, and third birds were sparrows. The fourth,
+the fifth, and the sixth birds were robins.”
+
+“The poor things surely did not suffer long. Your mouth is so large and
+your teeth are so sharp,” said the red squirrel.
+
+“Where do you live?” inquired the opossum, still gazing at the
+caterpillar.
+
+“I came from Beaver Creek,” answered Tiny. “I am out to-day to study
+Nature.”
+
+“Then you needn’t spend any more of your time here. There are other
+things to see,” snapped the opossum. “Your incessant chatter is keeping
+the birds away.”
+
+“Where do you live?” asked Tiny, wishing to save as many birds as
+possible.
+
+“Close by,” replied the opossum indifferently. “I live in a dead tree.”
+
+“What has become of the caterpillar?”
+
+“It is still working away. It is a remarkable toiler. Now it has
+succeeded in bending back the point of the leaf and has fastened it
+down with bits of thread.”
+
+“It has curled the leaf until it looks like a little tube with a very
+round hole at each end,” said Tiny, much interested.
+
+“Caterpillars make houses of leaves,” explained the opossum.
+
+“How very odd!” exclaimed the squirrel.
+
+“That depends upon the point of view,” repeated the opossum. “Insects
+breathe through holes along their sides. You have lungs. Through these
+lungs you breathe. Both of these methods of breathing might seem very
+odd to the fish, who breathes through his gills.”
+
+“How can the caterpillar turn around in such a small house?” asked Tiny.
+
+“It doesn’t wish to turn around,” said the opossum. “The caterpillar
+does not wiggle so much as the squirrel. It knows that big houses are
+seldom half as cozy as smaller ones. As soon as it gets settled down to
+housekeeping, it begins to eat its little green house.”
+
+“How funny!” chuckled Tiny.
+
+“Before very long it eats itself out of house and home,” said the
+opossum.
+
+“What would you do if a hunter were to steal up and club you?” asked
+Tiny, more interested in the quadruped than in the worm.
+
+“If a hunter should attack me, I would drop down and play that I was
+dead,” was the answer.
+
+“Once Snowball pretended to be asleep when Billy Beaver called him,”
+said Tiny. “Billy said that Snowball was ‘playing ’possum.’ Now I know
+what he meant.”
+
+“I suppose that the opossum is not the only animal that tries to
+deceive,” said the opossum, with a yawn.
+
+“I see that you are sleepy,” said the squirrel. “I must go to my
+home. I wonder why animals are so impolite as to yawn when they are
+entertaining company.”
+
+“Perhaps it would be better for you to say goodby before your
+entertainers tire of you,” retorted the opossum.
+
+This advice was a golden gift to Tiny. He never forgot it. With a
+courteous farewell, he hastened down the trunk of the tree. When he
+reached the ground, he stopped a moment to gaze overhead. The opossum
+was asleep among the branches.
+
+“He had better be sleeping than killing birds,” said Tiny, gratefully.
+“I shall visit the opossum often and keep him out of mischief. This
+afternoon has been well spent. I have stood between the birds and their
+enemy.”
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+The last day of school rolled round. The pupils of the Beaver Creek
+School were in a state of pleasant excitement. They smoothed their
+feathers or brushed their fur until they were as sleek as could be. All
+the civilized animals for miles around were present. Mr. Owl, looking
+wiser and more serious than ever, was the first visitor to arrive. Miss
+Hare, with earrings hanging from her long ears and a wreath of white
+blossoms on her head, greeted him warmly. Soon after, Mother Goose, the
+most beloved fowl in Animal Kingdom, waddled into the main building in
+good time. Sammy Rabbit’s relatives followed her, also Puss Snowball’s
+mother and aunt.
+
+Billy Beaver and his friends had erected a platform in the creek, and
+upon its smooth surface had built a green bower. The messenger pigeons
+had adorned this bower with beautiful flowers, and the pupils had
+filled in the rough places of the floor with pretty shells and pebbles.
+
+On the shady bank across the way, the larger animals of the wood had
+gathered. Tiny could see them plainly as he sat in his room, brushing
+out his long tail. There were Mr. Goat, of the great department
+store, and his daughter, Miss Nannie; the Otter family in their best
+garments; Miss Mink, a close friend of Miss Hare; several from the
+Badger family; and, in the background, as modest as could be, Mr.
+Opossum, Jolly Gopher, and the Ferret brothers.
+
+While awaiting the signal of Billy Beaver, Tiny was visited by Shifty
+Woodchuck, who carried a soiled composition.
+
+“Won’t you please help me?” whined Shifty, as he thrust the composition
+between Tiny’s forepaws. “You know I was to graduate with your class,
+but Miss Hare will not let me.”
+
+[Illustration: “WON’T YOU PLEASE HELP ME?” WHINED SHIFTY.]
+
+“Pupils that fail should not blame their teachers. It is entirely your
+own fault,” said Tiny, looking over the careless manuscript.
+
+“I wish I hadn’t slept so much last winter,” continued Shifty,
+ruefully. “However, I believe that if Miss Hare will let me read my
+composition, I will get the prize. Miss Hare says I cannot read it
+properly, because it is carelessly written. Please tell me what is the
+matter with it. To me it looks very well. I have spent nearly an hour
+in writing it.”
+
+“If you ever intend to write a good composition, you will have to work
+longer than an hour,” said Tiny. “You will have to read things that
+will help you, and you must exercise great care. Moreover, you must not
+postpone your work until the last minute.”
+
+Tiny, with great difficulty, read Shifty’s composition, which was as
+follows:
+
+  one saturday Afternoon in may
+
+  “the first may Holiday was beautiful! the sun shined bright. birds
+  twittered and sung sweetly the flowers were in bloom. nature was
+  happy. warm weather had came. mister beaver and me went for a stroll.
+  how our hearts thrilled with Joy? We stopped by the Creek. us animals
+  like the water
+
+  the clear sparkling waves passed by us. hark sweet music comes from
+  the brook and the forest they cried.
+
+  come into the woods mister beaver i said, are you afraid of the tall
+  trees.
+
+  i will set here says he. a Beaver don’t wander into the Thicket, he
+  prefers the Creek. daisys and violets may be pretty but spatter-docks
+  is prettier, you can go if you wish, and I will stay here.
+
+  i replied that Woodchucks squirrels rabbits and many other animals
+  preferred the wild flowers. i ran to the bushes. o how cool they
+  seemed. they were green and fragrant with blossoms, the leaves of
+  the trees were bigger than their’s but they wasn’t more beautiful. i
+  wandered for a hour through the woods. i seen a birds’ nest and many
+  interesting things, a active guinea hen was hiding among the Ferns
+  with her brood
+
+  a few deers were laying behind a pile of brush, they run when i
+  approached. i could heer wild geeses’ cries. every animal of the
+  forest were moving about. in each glade was a hundred live creatures.
+  i went back to the brook, mister beaver was waiting for me.
+
+  “did you have a pleasant time he asked lazily?”
+
+  the forest is grand i cried joyously. the animals of the forest are
+  rejoicing while you are setting by this brook with a long face.
+
+“What is wrong with it?” inquired Shifty, when the red squirrel had
+finished reading. “I am sure that it is as well written as the others,
+for I am a good speller and have learned not to use bad grammar.”
+
+“Everything is wrong with it,” said Tiny, frankly, although he was too
+polite to make fun of Shifty’s ignorance.
+
+At that moment Billy Beaver began thumping with his long tail.
+
+“Read it over very carefully many times, and perhaps you may be able to
+find your mistakes,” said Tiny, as he hastened out into the sunlit air.
+
+From the top of the bower over the platform a chorus of goldfinches,
+swallows, robins, and wrens began singing “Hail to Spring.” At the
+same time Miss Hare, followed by the graduating class, came out of the
+schoolroom, and, with great dignity, made her way to the platform. Miss
+Hare seated herself upon a mossy cushion, while the graduating class
+sat near her, forming a semicircle. The graduates were Susie Goose,
+Sammy Rabbit, Winkie Weasel, Puss Snowball, Rover Canine, Reynard
+Redfox, and Tiny Redsquirrel.
+
+At the close of the song, which was followed by loud cries of applause,
+Mr. Owl, who sat upon a branch in front of the platform, said that the
+class would proceed to deliver their compositions. He added that a
+prize would be given to the one who had the best theme, and that Miss
+Hare, Mother Goose, and he would be judges.
+
+When this announcement was made, Mother Goose rose from her comfortable
+seat by the side of the Misses Pea Fowl and Guinea, and flew to a seat
+beside Mr. Owl. The audience cheered again more loudly than before.
+
+[Illustration: SAMMY RABBIT WAS THE FIRST OF THE CLASS TO SPEAK.]
+
+Sammy Rabbit was the first of the class to speak. Leaping to the front
+of the platform, he faced his audience, and, with a profound bow, read
+as follows:
+
+  SOME QUEER CREATURES I HAVE SEEN.
+
+  One day our teacher sent us out to study Nature. She said that we
+  should observe the simplest things, for often they were the most
+  instructive.
+
+  My friend, Puss Snowball, went with me. Both of us were anxious to
+  improve our time. We animals are fast friends.
+
+  Three merry little ferrets darted across our pathway. We followed
+  them, but finally gave up the chase. Snowball’s fur was filled with
+  briers and thistles; I was covered with mud, and had to bathe in the
+  brook. How we laughed! At last we decided that we would study the
+  smallest and simplest things, as our teacher had told us to do.
+
+  We found some earthworms in the soft loam. These little creatures
+  burrow into the soil when the first frost comes. They spend the
+  winter deep in the ground, where the cold cannot reach them. They do
+  not mind if it blows and snows.
+
+  We saw a katydid. He was of a pale green color. His gauzy wings had
+  little covers that looked like drums. He rubbed the drums briskly,
+  and the music that he made was very cheerful. Did you ever hear the
+  katydid’s shrilling? The katydid, however, is very small.
+
+  We saw two interesting spiders in the brook. Spiders have eight legs,
+  while true insects have only six. One of these little creatures
+  had made a silken diving-bell that resembled a tiny silver globe.
+  The other had made a raft of weeds, fastened together with silken
+  threads. Then they went slowly downstream to catch insects that might
+  fall into the water. Spiders, although quite tiny, are very clever.
+  When spiders sleep, they sleep soundly; when they work, they work
+  industriously; when they fight, they fight fiercely.
+
+  Ants, bees, and wasps are interesting. The fly, too, is worthy of
+  study. It has four thousand small eyes. Observe it carefully.
+
+  Nature is full of wonderful, beautiful things--but I shall not have
+  time to tell any more about the queer creatures I have seen.
+
+Sammy’s composition was much appreciated. He had chosen a simple,
+familiar subject and kept it plainly in mind.
+
+Winkie Weasel met with less favor, for he had undertaken to write
+about something that was beyond his understanding. One can imagine
+how much a little weasel would know about “The Growth of Intellectual
+Perspicuity.” He stumbled over the long words in a way that made all
+the little prairie dogs in the front row titter in a very impolite
+manner. Weenie Mouse became so much frightened that he scampered away,
+long before it was time for him to recite, and caused quite a panic
+amongst the members of the Hen family.
+
+The other compositions were well written, although Puss Snowball’s was
+spoiled by a singsong delivery.
+
+Occasionally, the frog orchestra, from their green lily pads close by,
+would play a spirited air; and Jenny Wren, a nervous little body, who
+twitched every time she reached a high note, sang “Happy Woodlands.”
+
+[Illustration: TINY REDSQUIRREL WAS THE LAST OF HIS CLASS TO APPEAR
+BEFORE THE AUDIENCE.]
+
+Tiny Redsquirrel was the last of his class to appear before the
+audience. With becoming modesty, he rose, saluted the judges and his
+hearers, and recited in a loud, clear voice:
+
+  HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE.
+
+  There is a spell in every flower,
+    A sweetness in each spray;
+  And every single bird has power
+    To please us with its lay.
+
+  And there is music on the breeze
+    That sports along the glade;
+  The crystal dewdrops on the trees
+    Are gems by fancy made.
+
+  Oh, there is joy and happiness
+    In everything we see!
+  But greatest joys we shall possess
+    Through truth and purity.
+
+When he had finished, all the animals near and far gave vent to
+tremendous applause, for animal audiences are not so hard to please as
+those composed of human beings. Mr. Opossum became so enthusiastic that
+he shouted at the top of his voice:
+
+“Hurrah for Mr. Redsquirrel! One cannot judge by the size of a
+creature how much he can say.”
+
+Miss Hare joined the other two judges, and for a few moments they held
+an earnest conversation among themselves, while the audience sat in
+breathless expectation.
+
+Finally, Mother Goose descended from her perch and waddled to the front
+of the platform, where she faced the eager listeners and said in a
+shrill, but kindly voice:
+
+“Animals of the forest, the judges have decided that the prize should
+go to Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel of Squirreltown!”
+
+Turning to the embarrassed but happy little squirrel, she pulled from
+her wing a quill, which she gave him with a low bow, saying:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+“This quill was taken from my wing. No creature is more respected by
+the human race and all other animals than I am. Anyone who receives
+a quill pen made from one of my feathers will be famous ever after.
+Accept this reward for your excellent poem and your good scholarship;
+but bear in mind that every achievement is but a camping place for the
+night.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+
+Tiny never forgot the pleasant half hour that followed his graduation.
+Although he felt happy, he was sorry to leave dear old Beaver Creek
+with its many delightful associations. After waving a friendly farewell
+to Mr. Opossum, Jolly Gopher, and his other chance acquaintances, he
+turned to bid his classmates goodby. The bird choir was still singing
+its sweetest airs.
+
+“Your poem was very good for a beginner,” said Miss Hare, with a smile.
+“I suspect that you spent much time in its preparation.”
+
+“I expect to write a better one in a year from now,” replied Tiny.
+
+“You did not get frightened at all,” said timid Katie Goose, who had
+been unable to read her composition loud enough for her audience to
+hear.
+
+“One is never afraid of an audience unless he is afraid of himself,”
+said Tiny. “I hope your future life will be happy, Katie.”
+
+“Thank you,” replied Katie. “I want to be a lovely character like my
+aunt, dear old Mother Goose.”
+
+“I want to thank you for your kindness to me, Mr. Owl,” continued
+the squirrel, running to where the wise trustee of the school sat
+listening to the merry chorus of voices. “I have done nothing to pay
+for my board and tuition. In fact, I never knew there was such a thing
+as money, and that animals should pay for what they get from others,
+instead of trying to steal it.”
+
+“Do not worry about that,” said the owl, kindly. “Miss Hare’s school is
+free to pupils that cannot pay. It is kept up by taxes paid by the good
+citizens of Joy County. In this day of free schools, it is a terrible
+crime for animals to neglect their education.”
+
+“I shall organize a school in Squirreltown as soon as I return,” said
+Tiny. “The little ones would be more benefitted if they would exercise
+their brains as well as their legs.”
+
+“I wish you success,” said the owl prophet, kindly. “Your education has
+just begun. Even if you should live as many years as a turtle does, you
+would never learn all there is to know. Most squirrels observe closely,
+but almost every squirrel does not think as much as he should.”
+
+“I am going now,” said Tiny. “Please also accept my thanks for your
+kindness to my mother during my absence from home. I hope you will come
+to Squirreltown and give me a chance to entertain you.”
+
+“Thank you,” replied the owl. “I should be glad to carry you home, but
+I believe you are old enough to find your own way. There are many other
+lessons for you to learn, and there are other dreadful battles that you
+must fight alone. Always be brave and hopeful, no matter what befalls
+you.”
+
+Tiny bade Miss Hare goodby, and she wished him success. He tried to
+find Billy Beaver, but the good janitor had already started up creek to
+his work. One by one the graduates left the school for their various
+homes, and, when Tiny started forth on his journey, Beaver Creek was
+quiet and deserted. With a sigh of regret he gazed back at the domes of
+the buildings, and in his heart wished that he might return.
+
+As he turned into the narrow path that led to the north, he heard the
+noise of pattering feet. In a few moments Winkie Weasel was beside him,
+panting heavily.
+
+“I am going with you as far as Deertown,” said he. “What a pleasant
+visit we shall have on the way! You were always kind to help me with my
+lessons, and I thank you.”
+
+“I suppose you are anxious to get back home,” said Tiny, as they
+hurried along.
+
+“Not very,” replied Winkie, seriously. “My home is not pleasant.
+However, I am going to try to exert a good influence over those with
+whom I live. Weasels fight most of the time, you know. I shall try to
+teach them that vegetables are as wholesome as meat, and that weasels
+would be just as healthy if they did not eat every little animal that
+crossed their path.”
+
+For a long time they chatted concerning their classmates and the
+graduating exercises. They praised their teacher’s elegant manners,
+Mrs. Goose’s excellent morals and grand air, the pretty faces of the
+Otter sisters, the beautiful bower that Billy Beaver and his friends
+had made, and the neat schoolroom. Winkie congratulated Tiny again and
+again upon his splendid victory.
+
+When it grew dark, they stopped to rest. Tiny, with the quill Mother
+Goose had given him securely tied to his body, carefully climbed a
+tree. He found a cozy spot sheltered by broad leaves. In the meantime,
+Winkie found comfortable quarters in a hollow log. Soon they fell
+asleep.
+
+In the middle of the night an awful storm arose. The lightning flashed
+and the thunder roared. The trees bent and swayed in the angry winds.
+It seemed to Tiny that the world was coming to an end; but he was brave
+and hopeful, for he knew that the sunshine would be bright on the
+morrow.
+
+When the storm had abated somewhat, he fell asleep again. However, he
+slept badly. He thought some cruel animal was about to spring upon him
+and swallow him in one gulp. He was a really brave little creature, but
+such dreams are prone to disturb even the boldest animal.
+
+He shuddered and opened his eyes with a start. Not six feet away two
+terrible eyes of fire were fixed upon him. He then knew that his dream
+was real. In the flash of lightning that followed, he could see a large
+animal about to spring at him. Its legs were powerful, its feet were
+heavy, and its claws glistened. Another flash of lightning revealed the
+pointed ears of the terrible beast.
+
+Tiny tried to escape, but the branch of the tree was slippery with
+rain. In a twinkling he received a terrific blow from an enormous paw.
+Then followed a crash of thunder, an angry roar, and the frightened
+shriek of a poor helpless squirrel.
+
+“Oh, save me from the lynx--the lynx!” he cried.
+
+Both he and the bloodthirsty creature had fallen to the ground. Tiny
+knew that in another moment he might meet with a tragic fate. Another
+flash of lightning showed the lynx, with his fur standing straight and
+his back curled, ready to pounce upon him.
+
+[Illustration: WHEN THE LIGHTNING FLASHED AGAIN HE DASHED FORWARD AND
+THRUST THE PEN INTO THE DELICATE NOSTRILS OF THE LYNX.]
+
+Darkness came again. Tiny was so badly stunned for a while that he
+could hardly move. He stood dumbly awaiting the final blow. Then a loud
+roar of pain resounded through the forest. It was evident to Tiny that
+some creature was attacking the lynx. The little squirrel unloosened
+the pen that had been given him. When the lightning flashed again, he
+dashed forward and thrust it into the delicate nostril of the lynx.
+There was another cry, more of surprise than of pain, and the ferocious
+animal disappeared in the blackness of night.
+
+“We are safe now,” said Winkie Weasel’s welcome voice. “It is fortunate
+that I came with you. Just as the lynx was about to destroy you, I
+rushed out of the stump and gave his tail a bite that he will not soon
+forget. I think, judging by the way he yelled, he must have thought he
+was struck by lightning.”
+
+Tiny was too weak to reply. He stood shivering in the rain, yet he
+was grateful that he had learned the value of friendship. Winkie, who
+enjoyed dreadful encounters, pushed him back into the stump that he
+might protect him through the night. There they remained until daybreak.
+
+“Now, forget about the lynx and don’t be so cast down,” were the first
+words that Winkie said on the following morning. “Don’t hold any
+ill-will towards him. He was only thinking what a fine meal you would
+make. All animals are looking out for themselves.”
+
+A turn in the long path brought them into Deertown. A number of red
+deer were lying together upon the grassy turf. They had slept well, for
+the branches of the trees had formed a thick canopy over their heads.
+A stag with a reddish-brown coat and big branching antlers was guarding
+them. Several pretty fawns with brown eyes and white coats were playing
+hide-and-seek in the bushes. Although deer are quick to hear the
+footsteps of larger animals, they paid no heed to the little newcomers.
+
+[Illustration: “ISN’T THE STAG A NOBLE-LOOKING CREATURE?”]
+
+“Isn’t the stag noble-looking!” cried Tiny. “What a big creature he is!”
+
+“He is very proud,” said Winkie, less admiringly. “He is also selfish,
+for he becomes angry if any other stag comes inside his family circle.”
+
+“Isn’t it fortunate that we don’t have to wear antlers?” laughed Tiny.
+“How funny you would look, Winkie, with horns or antlers!”
+
+“It is said that one can tell the age of a stag by looking at his
+antlers,” replied Winkie, with the sprightliness that Tiny enjoyed.
+“Perhaps Mother Goose is thankful, too, that she doesn’t have them.”
+
+Not far beyond Deertown, the two associates separated. Tiny was to go
+directly north, while Winkie was to pass through several winding paths
+to Weasel Bog.
+
+“Goodby, Tiny. Carry your prize safely home, and tell your mother that
+you well deserved it,” said Winkie. “Some day I will bring my family to
+see you.”
+
+“I am afraid you wouldn’t be very welcome in Squirreltown,” said Tiny.
+“However, I will meet you alone at any time you suggest. I will fetch
+you something good to eat.”
+
+“Squirrels are all right in their bad opinions of weasels,” said
+Winkie, regretfully. “I never thought how scandalous my family would
+act, if I took them to Squirreltown. I do not wish to visit your
+village, but I will meet you at any place you may suggest. I want to
+see you only. Let me hear from you often.”
+
+“All right,” replied Tiny, cheerily.
+
+With another farewell he turned north and ran as fast as he could. Two
+or three times he stopped to eat some delicious acorns and other food
+he found by the wayside, for Nature has bountifully provided for the
+squirrel race.
+
+He might have reached home without any more dreadful encounters, had
+it not been for his curiosity. While resting on the lower branch of a
+beech tree, he saw an animal with soft, silky fur, fast asleep on the
+bough above his head. He did not know that the pretty, innocent-looking
+creature was a wild cat, one of the most terrible beasts of the wood.
+The thoughtless squirrel stole noiselessly to the side of the sleeping
+animal and made a shrill, screeching noise.
+
+[Illustration: HE RAN WITH ALL HIS MIGHT ALONG THE PATH.]
+
+The wild cat awoke. Instantly it changed to a ferocious monster, with
+ruffled fur and eyes that seemed to shoot forth flames. With a snarl of
+rage, it dashed at its disturber. Tiny, whose heart beat wildly, dashed
+down the tree. Instead of seeking refuge in some knothole, he ran with
+all his might along the path. He expected to be killed at any moment.
+Horror made him run all the faster, for he knew that the wild cat was
+the most dreadful animal he could possibly arouse.
+
+Over fallen twigs and branches the frightened squirrel leapt, little
+thinking of other dangers that might befall him. At last his strength
+began to fail. He knew that he could hold out but a few minutes longer.
+Torn by brush and briers, he ascended an oak tree. A little door stood
+ajar. He rushed through the tiny opening and fell prostrate.
+
+When he regained his senses, a little gray animal with liquid dark eyes
+was bending over him.
+
+“Bushy Graysquirrel!” he cried in delight.
+
+“I am very glad to receive you in my new home,” was Bushy’s welcome
+greeting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+
+“I am so glad to see you!” exclaimed Tiny. “I was running away from a
+wild cat, and met you by accident.”
+
+“I saw you running,” answered Bushy. “However, I did not see a wild
+cat. Squirrels run faster than wild cats, so I suppose he gave up the
+chase.”
+
+“I am not a coward,” declared the red squirrel, somewhat embarrassed,
+“but I think it is best to run when a wild cat comes into one’s life.”
+
+“In this forest are few wild cats,” asserted Bushy. “They seldom
+disturb us, unless they are provoked.”
+
+“What are you doing here?” asked Tiny, when he had fully recovered from
+his shock.
+
+“I live here in the country now,” was the reply. “Perhaps you do not
+know that I have a mate. He is out getting acorns for our luncheon. Of
+acorns there is a great plenty in this part of the woods. They cover
+the ground.”
+
+“Has Squirreltown changed much?” he inquired.
+
+“You would hardly know the place,” answered the gray squirrel. “All
+our playmates have grown up. Peggy and her mate live in the city, and
+Polly Blacksquirrel and her mate own the big beech by the brook. Dr.
+Flyingsquirrel has retired from business on account of his great age.
+He must be nearly five years old. Your mother, however, is well and
+happy. Many citizens has Squirreltown. Not one in a hundred leaves it
+for the country. I--”
+
+“Do you ever visit there?” interrupted Tiny.
+
+“Neither of us has been back for some time,” said Bushy. “We will go
+over to-night to attend the celebration.”
+
+“What celebration?”
+
+“One which is to be given upon your return home,” laughed Bushy.
+
+Tiny then remembered that Mr. Owl had promised the winner of the prize
+a still greater reward. He felt very grateful and happy, but did not
+think it polite to question Bushy any further.
+
+After a short visit with his old friend, Tiny bade her goodby, and
+resumed his journey. He hurried along almost as fast as he did when he
+thought the wild cat was after him, for he was anxious to see his dear
+old home once more, and to receive his mother’s welcome greeting.
+
+While he was drinking at a small stream, he heard a shrill cry. Before
+he could turn round, he was pushed off his feet. Over and over he
+rolled, until he almost fell into the water.
+
+“Tiny, Tiny, I am so glad to see you!” cried a well known voice.
+
+“Chatty Chipmunk!” exclaimed Tiny, equally delighted; for there was his
+earliest playmate dancing about like a wild creature. “Never before
+have I received such an unexpected greeting.”
+
+“I learned that you would be home to-day, and have come to meet you,”
+continued Chatty. “Near the city wait a number of your old friends. I
+couldn’t stand still, so here I am.”
+
+“Are you still fond of playing?” asked Tiny, somewhat amused at his gay
+friend.
+
+“Yes. I don’t suppose that I ever shall take life seriously,” was the
+laughing reply. “Nature never intended that I should work or study.
+However, I have a thrifty mate, and she makes a very comfortable living
+for me. Every one of those animals at Squirreltown avoids me, but I do
+not care.”
+
+“If I were mayor of Squirreltown, I would make you work or let you
+starve,” said Tiny, severely.
+
+“Your education has not improved your appearance,” said Chatty, quickly
+changing the subject. “You look old and all mussed up.”
+
+“Animals who spend all their time in study are apt to become careless
+of their personal appearance,” explained Tiny. “You forget, however,
+that I have had a long journey, and that animals of good taste do not
+try to look too sleek when they travel. They do not wish to attract
+attention.”
+
+“Of what use are books and study?” inquired Chatty.
+
+“They are of no use to such as you,” replied the squirrel impatiently.
+
+“And what are you doing with that old goose quill strapped to your
+back?”
+
+“That is the prize I won for good scholarship,” said Tiny, rather
+disdainfully.
+
+“How funny!” cried the chipmunk, laughing until his sides ached. “How
+could an animal spend so much time studying, just to win a goose quill?”
+
+“You and I do not see things alike, Chatty,” said Tiny, with an air of
+superiority. “It is not possible for an uneducated animal like you to
+feel the noble sentiment that makes this goose quill dear to me.”
+
+“You are as queer as some human beings,” declared Chatty. “I have heard
+of a silly man that studied for many years to win an old piece of
+sheepskin.”
+
+Tiny wisely forbore further argument. After a few minutes’ rest was
+taken, he arose, and together they hastened to Squirreltown.
+
+When the grand old trees of the city appeared to view, Tiny shouted for
+joy. There is nothing in life so dear as home and its associations,
+and the country in which one lives, and the individuals with whom one
+associates.
+
+Although sentinels had been stationed at the entrances of the highways
+to meet Tiny, he stole up a back street; for he wished to see his
+mother first of all.
+
+Mrs. Redsquirrel was preparing the last meal of the day. Although
+somewhat older in appearance than when he left her, she seemed as
+beautiful as ever to Tiny.
+
+“Mother!” he cried, as he rushed into the house.
+
+With shrieks of joy, the good creature bounded over the table and to
+and fro until she was exhausted.
+
+“Welcome! welcome home!” she cried, her little heart fairly bursting
+with motherly love and joy.
+
+They chatted until dusk began to steal over Squirreltown. At last they
+were interrupted by Chatty Chipmunk.
+
+“You are under arrest, Tiny,” he said, gravely. “I am bidden by the
+mayor to take you to the park which faces the city hall.”
+
+Tiny and his mother good-naturedly followed Chatty, thinking that
+perhaps he was, as of old, playing some joke upon them.
+
+“Be merciful to me, Tiny,” pleaded Chatty, on their way to the park.
+“Remember that I am your oldest friend. I promise you that I will lead
+a useful life in the future. My greatest regret now is that I trifled
+all my time away when I was young.”
+
+Tiny did not reply. They had entered the green park, facing which was a
+decayed log with many doors and windows. It was used as a city hall.
+
+[Illustration: WHAT WAS TINY’S SURPRISE TO FIND ALL THE CITIZENS OF
+SQUIRRELTOWN GATHERED THERE TO MEET HIM!]
+
+What was Tiny’s surprise to find all the citizens of Squirreltown
+gathered there to meet him. There were the aged mayor at the door of
+the city hall, the militia, the policemen, and all the aldermen and
+other dignitaries of the city. Every one was dignified and silent. Tiny
+and his mother were led by two policemen to the little balcony over the
+entrance to the building. They were unable to speak, from surprise and
+wonderment.
+
+“Hoot! hoot! hoot!” rang out from a bough over their heads. This cry
+was evidently another signal to enforce perfect order. Tiny gazed up
+timidly, and saw the yellow eyes of the owl prophet staring down upon
+him.
+
+“Citizens of Squirreltown,” cried Mr. Owl, “I, the wisest of all living
+creatures, take pleasure in presenting to you, Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,
+the new mayor of Squirreltown!”
+
+Flapping his wings in approbation, he flew away, never to return again.
+
+Then wild cheers rent the air. Never since that time has Squirreltown
+been so riotous. Before Tiny could realize his exalted position, he was
+surrounded by his old friends. There were Dr. Flyingsquirrel and his
+family, Chatty Chipmunk and his mate, Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel,
+Polly Blacksquirrel, and many others, cheering and wishing him success
+and happiness.
+
+Hundreds of lightning bugs circled above their heads, throwing out
+green and orange-colored rays. Billy Foxsquirrel and his band whistled
+gay airs; a frog orchestra close by joined them; and a chorus of
+friendly mosquitoes, and other insects, completed the grand refrain.
+Until far into the night, laughter and rejoicing reigned triumphant.
+What Tiny did for Squirreltown in after years is more than any boy or
+girl could imagine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber’s Notes:
+
+Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are
+mentioned.
+
+Punctuation has been made consistent.
+
+Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in
+the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have
+been corrected.
+
+Captions were added for text included in illustrations as follows:
+
+p. iv: COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY LAIRD & LEE, Inc.
+
+p. 94: POETRY
+
+p. 100: PANTRY
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress, by 
+J. D. Williams
+
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress, by J. D. Williams
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress
+       A Book for Boys and Girls Setting Forth the Adventures of
+              Tiny Red Squirrel and Chatty Chipmunk
+
+Author: J. D. Williams
+
+Illustrator: H. Wood
+
+Release Date: September 23, 2017 [EBook #55609]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SQUIRREL'S PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by MFR, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 517px;">
+<img id="coverpage" src="images/i_cover.jpg" width="517" height="700" alt="Cover" />
+</div>
+
+<p id="half-title">Tiny Redsquirrel</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 444px;">
+<img src="images/i_title.jpg" width="444" height="650" alt="Title page" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<div class="boxtitlepage1">
+<div class="boxtitlepage2">
+
+<h1 style="margin-top:0em"><span class="xlargefont"><em>The</em></span><br />
+SQUIRREL’S<br />
+PILGRIM’S PROGRESS</h1>
+
+
+<p class="center largefont"><em>A Book for Boys and Girls</em></p>
+
+<p class="center p1"><span class="smallfont">BY</span><br />
+J. D. WILLIAMS</p>
+
+<p class="center p1">Setting Forth the Adventures of Tiny Red Squirrel
+and Chatty Chipmunk</p>
+
+<p class="center p1">And describing Miss Hare’s School; Red Squirrel, Chipmunk,
+Reynard Fox, Pussy Cat, and Other Students, as well
+as Mr. Wise Owl, a Director of the School,
+and Billy Beaver, the Janitor.</p>
+
+<p class="center p1" style="margin-bottom:1em">FIFTY ILLUSTRATIONS BY H. WOOD<br />
+<span class="smallfont">(FIVE COLORED PLATES)</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80px;">
+<img src="images/i_logo.jpg" width="80" height="86" alt="Publisher logo" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center p1">CHICAGO<br />
+LAIRD &amp; LEE, Inc., PUBLISHERS
+</p>
+
+</div></div>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<div id="Ref_iv" class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_004.jpg" width="400" height="230" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY LAIRD &amp; LEE, Inc.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">And Nature, the old nurse, took
+</div><div class="indent1">The child upon her knee.
+</div><div class="indent0">Saying, “Here is a story-book
+</div><div class="indent1">Thy father has written for thee.”
+</div><div class="indent4">&mdash;Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>Once on a time a little boy was taken from the noise
+and bustle of city life to a sparsely settled land where a
+great forest stretched away in every direction. To this land
+his parents came to make a home in the heart of the deep
+wood. A large log house had been built in an open space
+from which great oaks, beeches, maples and other trees had
+been removed, and here, surrounded by nature’s forms and
+activities, they lived many years.</p>
+
+<p>What a delightful experience this was to this little boy!
+How wonderful this new world seemed to him! Here were
+flowers of every hue, bees, birds, butterflies, and many
+other interesting things to excite his childish wonder. He
+soon learned the names of the shrubs, the trees, the wild
+fruits and the flowers; and the habits of the honey gatherers,
+the feathered folk, and the little animals of the wood.</p>
+
+<p>This story has its foundation in these experiences and
+was written in the hope that it will prove interesting and
+instructive to many children. It teaches its young readers
+to see material things as they really are, so that the early
+impressions shall always be the true ones; it teaches them to
+apply the same habit of careful observation to language forms<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span>
+and constructions, so they shall know how thoughts must be
+expressed, and more than that, how they may be expressed
+beautifully. It is believed that it will influence them to
+observe nature’s works closely&mdash;the beauty in the dense
+foliage of spring, in the myriad forms of life, in nest building
+and bird music, in the vitality of growth, in the sweet
+beneficence of the universal mother, so that they may come
+to know</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indentquote0">
+“There are tongues in trees,
+</div><div class="indent0">Books in the running brooks,
+</div><div class="indent0">Sermons in stones,
+</div><div class="indent0">And good in everything.”
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>Acknowledgments are due to Wilber Hershel Williams
+for assistance in the preparation of this volume; to Frances
+Squire Potter, James S. Greenwood, and Z. C. Spencer
+for literary criticism and helpful suggestions.</p>
+
+<p class="marginrightindent">J. D. W.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table class="toc" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td style="text-align:left" colspan="2">CHAPTER</td><td class="tocpage">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">I.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Introducing Tiny Redsquirrel</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">II.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny Goes to Seek Winter Stores</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">III.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">His First Adventure</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">IV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Introducing Mr. Wise Owl</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">V.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Lesson from the Ants</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">VI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Meeting Mr. Frog</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">VII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">His Adventure with Queen Bee</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">VIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">The Porcupine Scares Tiny</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">IX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Meeting with the Black Giant</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">X.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny the Hero of Squirreltown</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">The Mayor Calls on Tiny</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Mr. Owl Interrupts a Speech</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">He Takes Tiny to School</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny Gets Acquainted</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">School Days Experiences</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Mr. Owl Visits the School</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny’s Correspondence</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Miss Hare on Grammar</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Studying Nature</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny Helps with Teacher’s Letters</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Opossum and Caterpillar</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Graduation Exercises</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">The Students Start for Home</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Tiny is Appointed Mayor</span></td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table class="toc" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Squirreltown</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_Frontispiece"><em>Frontispiece</em></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Go Away!</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">How Can You Sleep On a Day Like This?</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_12">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Splash! Chatty Fell Into the Creek</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny and Chatty Meet the Raccoon</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Meets Mr. Owl</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Watching the Ants Build a House</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_31">31</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Learns a Lesson from the Spider</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Meeting with Mr. Toad</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Rescues the Queen Bee</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">“Hist!” Cried the Ogre</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_45">45</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Conquers the Porcupine</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_47">47</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Bear Falls from the Tree</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_51">51</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Bees Rescue Tiny from the Bear</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Returns to Squirreltown</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_58">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Brings Food to His Hungry Mother</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Is Ill&mdash;The Mayor Calls</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Story of the Fable</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_68">68</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Makes a Speech</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Mr. Owl Lectures Tiny</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_71">71</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">He Takes Tiny to School</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_78">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Mr. Beaver Shows Tiny to His Room</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Meets Mr. Redfox</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_82">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Janitor Awakens the Pupils</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Miss Hare’s School</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_87">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Gives Miss Hare an Acorn</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny and Winkie Run a Race</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Prepares for Graduation</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_101">101</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Owl Prophet Visits the School</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_103">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">He Hardly Knew Tiny</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_106">106</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Pigeon Mail Carrier</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Reynard Is Sick</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_116">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Chatty Chipmunk Appears</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_125">125</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Panther Gives Them a Scare</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Mrs. Badger and the Bees</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_128">128</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny Assists the Teacher</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_134">134</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Mr. Opossum</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_141">141</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Shifty Woodchuck Wants Help</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_148">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Sammy Rabbit’s Composition</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Tiny’s Speech Wins the Prize</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_155">155</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">The Encounter with the Lynx</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_162">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">In Deertown</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_164">164</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Running from a Wildcat</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_166">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="toctitle">Celebration in Squirreltown</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#Ref_172">172</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<div id="Ref_Frontispiece" class="figcenter" style="width: 451px;">
+<img src="images/i_006.jpg" width="451" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SQUIRRELTOWN.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont">Tiny Redsquirrel</p>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Have you ever heard of Squirreltown? It is a
+town of quaint homes in the woods, in which little
+animals live together as contentedly as though they
+were human beings. The whole town is roofed over
+by leafy bowers, and carpeted with wild flowers.
+All day long butterflies flit about in the shimmering
+sunlight, and by night thousands of fairies come out
+to dance in the pale moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>In this town there once dwelt a young red squirrel
+named Tiny. He lived with his mother near the
+top of an oak tree. Mrs. Redsquirrel was a poor
+but industrious widow. Although red squirrels are
+said to be the most mischievous animals of the forest,
+she had taught Tiny to conduct himself in a
+proper way. In fact, he was much better behaved
+than Chatty Chipmunk, who lived in the ground at
+the foot of the tree.</p>
+
+<p>One morning early in the autumn, while the
+weather was yet warm, Tiny’s mother said to him,
+“You must bestir yourself, Tiny! Now is the time
+to gather acorns, seeds, and other food for the winter.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As he sat sipping water from a hollow acorn, he
+observed how anxiously his mother gazed at him.
+“Why do you look so sad?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I am getting too old to work,” she answered,
+and she wiped the tears from her black eyes. Then
+abruptly she turned to look through the window.
+It was a small hole covered with a silken curtain
+that had been woven by a spider.</p>
+
+<p>“Please don’t cry, mother,” implored Tiny. He
+put down his acorn, went over to his mother and
+drew her down upon a little couch made of moss.
+“I am willing to work hard to support you. Perhaps
+some day I shall become great. Who can
+tell?”</p>
+
+<p>“But I want you to have a fine education,” said
+his mother, looking with pride at her son, “and we
+have no good schools!”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps a fairy may find me a good school. I
+can work to pay my way!” cheerfully suggested
+Tiny. “I have heard that those who do this make
+the best students.” He fanned his mother with a
+small peacock feather. He thought that she might
+drop into a doze, for he knew that she had not been
+sleeping much of late, but just then a persistent
+rapping at the tree began.</p>
+
+<p>“It must be Mr. Woodpecker,” said Mrs. Redsquirrel
+with a sigh. “Every day he comes over
+to rap this tree. The noise makes my head ache.”</p>
+
+<p>“Please sit still. I’ll go outside to see what he
+wants,” said Tiny, hastening from the room.</p>
+
+<p>“Hello!” he cried lustily.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Woodpecker did not answer. He was digging
+his long, straight, pointed beak into the bark
+of the tree. His stiff tail was spread out to prop
+his body, for woodpeckers would not be such good
+climbers if they had no tails. He was black and
+white, and wore a jaunty scarlet cap.</p>
+
+<p>“Sir,” said Tiny, “You
+annoy my mother. Furthermore,
+Mr. Graysquirrel,
+who owns this tree,
+will make you pay dearly
+for all the damage you are
+doing to his property.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ha, ha!” laughed Mr.
+Woodpecker, turning his
+head to one side and looking
+down at the squirrel.
+“I am not destroying
+property. I am digging
+into the bark to find insects.
+Mr. Graysquirrel,
+your landlord, told me
+that I might have all I
+could find. He said it was
+they who greatly annoy
+his tenants. Pardon me
+for disturbing your
+mother.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_9" class="figleft" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/i_009.jpg" width="200" height="438" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“GO AWAY AND DO NOT COME BACK
+AGAIN,” COMMANDED TINY.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Go away! and do not come back again,” commanded
+Tiny, vexed at the bird’s display of good
+humor. “Hush, Tiny!” called Mrs. Redsquirrel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+thrusting her dainty nose through the window. “I
+am glad that Mr. Woodpecker is so kind as to destroy
+those horrid insects. I thought at first that
+he was tapping the tree because he wished to trouble
+me. We animals are always ready to imagine disagreeable
+things.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny came back into the house and to cover his
+chagrin began to get the storeroom in order.</p>
+
+<p>His mother gathered up the nut-shell cups and
+placed them in a hollow gourd. As they worked
+she talked. “Mr. Woodpecker is a clever creature,”
+she said. “I never before saw a bird that
+could use his bill with such ease and swiftness.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny did not reply. He was thinking very hard,
+and the idea that he was going to support his
+mother made him feel very important.</p>
+
+<p>“Woodpeckers do a great deal of good by destroying
+grubs and insects,” his mother went on.
+“I have heard that in a far-away land there lives
+one kind that feeds chiefly on acorns, and stores
+them away for the winter as squirrels do. They
+make small holes in the soft bark of dead trees
+and place the acorns in these holes by pounding
+them with their bills.”</p>
+
+<p>“Now I am ready to start,” interrupted Tiny.
+“Perhaps I can get Chatty Chipmunk to go with
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“If you do, don’t let him lead you into bad
+company!” warned Mrs. Redsquirrel. “He is very
+mischievous. He causes his parents much trouble.”</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+came running into the room, without stopping to
+knock at the door.</p>
+
+<p>“Good morning, Mrs. Redsquirrel,” said Peggy.</p>
+
+<p>“We are going over to the Beech Hotel to spend
+the day with the Blacksquirrel family,” said
+Bushy, too much excited to draw a long breath.
+“Come along with us, Tiny. We will play ripple.”</p>
+
+<p>“What is ripple?” asked Mrs. Redsquirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, it is a fine game!” exclaimed Peggy. “All
+the squirrels get out on the bough of a tree. Each
+one throws a nut or a pebble into the brook, and the
+one that makes the biggest circle gets the prize.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you want to go, Tiny?” asked his mother.</p>
+
+<p>“No, mother,” said Tiny bravely. “I like to
+play ripple, but I must gather our winter store before
+the cold rains begin.”</p>
+
+<p>“Please come with us,” coaxed pretty Bushy,
+flashing her dark eyes straight into his own.</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot go,” he declared stolidly, turning his
+back upon her.</p>
+
+<p>“Is he really going to work?” asked Bushy,
+looking from one to the other in a bewildered way.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am going,” replied Tiny, and he took
+down his hunting bag from the wall.</p>
+
+<p>Another moment a little red squirrel ran down
+the tree and was lost to view.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny went to the home of Chatty Chipmunk.
+The Chipmunks do not like the trees or the air or
+the sunshine as the Redsquirrel family do. Like
+most animals of their kind, they live in the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny entered the door and passed through a hall
+several feet in length. At the further end of the
+hall was a small opening which led to a room but
+little larger than the shell of a cocoanut. Chatty
+was alone, fast asleep.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_12" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_012.jpg" width="600" height="427" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“HOW CAN YOU SLEEP ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY LIKE THIS?”</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“How can you sleep on a beautiful day like
+this!” cried Tiny, playfully pulling Chatty’s
+whiskers.</p>
+
+<p>“I was only taking a nap,” sleepily responded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+Chatty. “My parents and brothers are out in the
+beech trees. I wanted to have a good rest, so I
+stayed at home. I cannot sleep well at night, because
+our house is crowded.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am going out to gather our winter store,”
+said Tiny. “Don’t you want to come with me?”</p>
+
+<p>“I should very much like to go, thank you,” returned
+Chatty, although he had refused to go with
+his family. “But you see, I cannot work hard
+when I work, though I can work hard when I
+play.”</p>
+
+<p>They soon left the chipmunk home and started
+forth on their journey. They had not gone very
+far before Chatty began to complain.</p>
+
+<p>“The sun is very warm, and it makes me
+drowsy,” said he. “How I do dislike to work!
+I am glad that I am not a beaver, for beavers work
+all the time.”</p>
+
+<p>“I should think you would wish to help your
+family,” said Tiny. “What will become of you in
+the winter if you do not have plenty of food?”</p>
+
+<p>“I will sleep all the time,” replied the chipmunk,
+yawning drowsily.</p>
+
+<p>He was about to lie down to rest, when he espied
+a great yellow butterfly with wings that shone like
+gold. She was fast asleep upon a thistle.</p>
+
+<p>Chatty dashed after her, but she flew from
+thistle to bush and flower, not at all frightened.
+After he had tired himself running, he sat down,
+panting.</p>
+
+<p>“Your winter store will soon be gathered if you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+spend as much energy in working as you have in
+running,” said Tiny, his eyes twinkling.</p>
+
+<p>“It is great sport to chase butterflies,” said
+Chatty. “They are such stupid creatures, yet they
+are very pretty. Who ever heard of sleeping on a
+thistle?”</p>
+
+<p>“I think it would be much more comfortable
+than to sleep in a hole in the ground,” replied
+Tiny. “Mother said that butterflies always seem
+to match the seasons.” Tiny, without knowing it,
+began to imitate his mother’s voice and her way
+of talking. He spoke more slowly than she did,
+however, for he was trying hard to remember all
+she had told him about the pretty things. “When
+the world is still brown and bleak and the spring
+sun is beginning to warm things into life, the
+brown and black butterflies come. Then, when the
+violets spread carpets over the vales and in the
+woodlands, the blue butterflies appear. In summer
+come the queenly swallow-tail butterflies, clad in
+red, copper, and burnished silver. Often one
+dressed in pure white may be seen, for white is very
+comfortable to wear in warm weather. It reflects
+the hot rays of the sun. In the autumn the yellow
+and orange butterflies are more numerous. They
+are the color of the goldenrod and the sunflowers
+and the brown-eyed Susans. The yellow butterflies
+like to sip the honey from the yellow flowers,
+but the white butterflies seem to prefer the white
+clover. They are the most beautiful of all insects.
+Their four wings are colored on both sides. When<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+they rest, their wings stand straight up and do not
+fold.”</p>
+
+<p>“Butterflies are very queer animals,” said
+Chatty ungraciously. He was vexed with butterflies,
+because he knew so little about them. “Why
+do they sleep with their wings held high above their
+heads? I should think they would get so sound
+asleep that they would forget to hold them up.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is natural for them to hold up their wings,”
+laughed Tiny. “Do you forget to breathe when
+you are sound asleep?”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course not,” retorted Chatty, “nor do I forget
+to eat when I am hungry. However, I cannot
+see why the butterfly sleeps in such a silly position.”</p>
+
+<p>“Some of them slowly open and shut their wings
+all the time they are asleep,” explained Tiny. “I
+never knew another creature that sleeps so gracefully
+as the butterfly does. I would rather take a
+nap on a thistle in the sunshine than roll up in a
+fluffy ball and sleep in a dark hole in the ground.
+You must not criticise those whose customs are
+different from yours. Perhaps the butterfly is
+quite as much amused at you.”</p>
+
+<p>“There she goes again!” cried Chatty, suddenly.
+“I wish I were a flying-squirrel, that I might catch
+her. Wait a moment until I frighten her again.”</p>
+
+<p>Chatty began to chase the butterfly once more.
+He was accustomed to running without looking
+where he was going, so he did not see the danger
+that awaited him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<div id="Ref_16" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_016.jpg" width="600" height="569" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SPLASH! CHATTY FELL INTO THE CREEK AND DISAPPEARED
+FROM SIGHT.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Splash! Chatty fell into the creek and disappeared
+from sight. The butterfly flew safely across
+the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny was not alarmed, for he knew that his companion
+could swim. Soon the chipmunk’s little
+nose appeared above the water. After a great
+deal of splashing, he reached the bank of the
+stream, very much chagrined.</p>
+
+<p>“I think I must have been more scared than the
+butterfly was,” he admitted, as he shook his fur.
+“I am as tired as I can be and as wet as a fish.
+Where is the butterfly?”</p>
+
+<p>“Over on yonder blue-flag, fast asleep,” said
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Chatty smiled foolishly and Tiny laughed
+heartily. The butterfly rested a long time. Then
+she flew away. The birds chattered gayly as the
+sun smiled brightly. The brook gurgled with glee
+and flowed merrily on. The chipmunk seemed
+wide awake after his drenching. For a half hour
+he scurried briskly along.</p>
+
+<p>“Not far away some fine blackberries grow on
+low bushes,” he said. “We will find them and feast
+until dusk. When we become sleepy we will nap
+for a while.”</p>
+
+<p>“We have wandered from our path,” protested
+Tiny. “We are lost!”</p>
+
+<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed Chatty. “Someone will
+show us the way home. Squirreltown is the greatest
+city in the world.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you remember those hunters who passed
+through Squirreltown not long ago?” asked Tiny.
+“They said that London is the largest city in the
+world. The East contains many great cities.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are dreaming,” laughed the chipmunk.
+“I have heard of every large city. Squirreltown
+has the most inhabitants, and Gray Fox Center
+comes next. How many squirrels live in London?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“London is filled with people, not with squirrels.
+Those hunters that frightened us the other day are
+people. They live in houses,” explained Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“How I should dislike London!” cried Chatty.
+“Do all people look as fierce as those hunters? I
+thought that hunters dwelt in holes in the ground.
+I supposed that they played in the trees and wandered
+about with huge guns and frightened little
+animals for amusement. I imagine that people
+must look very much like bears.”</p>
+
+<p>“Many of them do,” assented Tiny with a wise
+nod. “However, they do not walk on four legs, but
+straight up like storks. We must roam no farther.
+Let us gather these beech nuts and collect them
+in little heaps.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, indeed,” said his companion, as he rose
+from his couch. “I want some blackberries.”</p>
+
+<p>“O Chatty, an odd-looking animal comes from
+the trunk of that hollow tree. It is a bear!” cried
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh!” gasped Chatty. His eyes opened wide
+with fear and surprise. “We must hide.”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment they gazed at the stranger who
+stood before them. He sniffed the grass that grew
+around a stump, but watched them steadily. The
+little foragers remained quite still and struggled
+for courage.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_19" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_019.jpg" width="600" height="532" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">THE LITTLE FORAGERS REMAINED QUITE STILL AND
+STRUGGLED FOR COURAGE.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Be calm,” said the queer creature in a friendly
+voice. “I am hunting for something green and
+tender. Fear not, for I never attack such small
+creatures as you.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“What are you, sir?” asked Tiny, remembering
+his mother’s instructions to speak courteously.</p>
+
+<p>“I am a raccoon and I live in that hollow tree,”
+said the animal. “I once dwelt in a village which
+lies a hundred miles away. Leachburg is its name.
+The inhabitants called me Brother Raccoon. My
+given name is Sambo, my wife’s name is Serena,
+and we named our sons Simon and Solomon. Formerly
+I was a pet in a family of people. While
+with them I learned a number of pretty names for
+children, as well as many other things.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tell us something about people,” requested
+Tiny, drawing nearer. At last he stood face to face
+with the raccoon.</p>
+
+<p>“People live a long time if they take good care<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+of their health,” began Brother Raccoon. “The
+baby of this family was four years of age.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny and Chatty laughed outright. The speaker
+smiled good-naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>“He was surely a backward baby,” chuckled
+Chatty. “The mayor of Squirreltown is four years
+of age and he is very old.”</p>
+
+<p>“Little people are generally happy,” continued
+the raccoon. “They have everything their hearts
+desire. I wish that my little ones had such good
+fortune. Alas! we watch Simon and Solomon all
+the time. They seldom go out of the house except
+after night. Little people stay indoors all night,
+but little raccoons do not.”</p>
+
+<p>“What lovely times little raccoons must have!”
+cried Chatty. “If I were one of them I would run
+about all night, especially when it is moonlight.
+Mother sends me to bed before sunset.”</p>
+
+<p>“No one has more anxiety than a raccoon,” declared
+the stranger. He blinked his eyes, which
+were black and shiny. There were white rings
+around them. “Our midnight prowls often cause
+us great trouble. Sometimes the raccoons go into
+the cornfields. While they are eating corn, a pack
+of dogs appears and drives them back to the woods.
+Before the poor raccoons can hide, the men with
+their guns attack them.”</p>
+
+<p>“You should not steal the farmer’s corn,” reproved
+Tiny. “Thieves deserve punishment.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, but the farmer does not treat us right,”
+replied the raccoon bitterly. “He steals our fur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+and eats our flesh. He deceives us and slays us.
+He does all sorts of mean things.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry for you,” said Tiny. “Why should
+little animals of the forest suffer from the acts of
+mankind? Are you never safe from harm?”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” continued the raccoon. “Our flesh and
+fur are so fine that these terrible people hunt for
+us by day and by night. One evening I was in a
+field of corn which was green and tempting. A
+party of noisy creatures called boys came to the
+field. They chased me back into the forest. I was
+so little that I stumbled and fell. A dog caught me.
+Before he could hurt me, a small boy seized me and
+carried me in a bag to his home. He placed me in
+a cage.</p>
+
+<p>“The boy’s name was Teddy Root. He greatly
+admired my dainty feet and grayish-brown fur. I
+became so tame that they gave me much freedom.
+I soon lost my fear of people. Sometimes they
+scolded me, because I stole into the pantry and
+helped myself to milk, sugar, lard, and butter. I
+did not know that I had done wrong. Teddy took
+cookies from the pantry without first asking his
+mother’s permission, so I thought I could do so, too.
+However, I yearned for my home in the deep forest.
+One day I ran away.</p>
+
+<p>“I wandered a long time before I found the
+stump that had sheltered me during my early days.
+My family had departed. I was alone, but I made
+the old house comfortable, and soon forgot my
+troubles. I preferred a stump to a gilded cage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+One night a party of raccoons went out on an excursion
+to a cornfield. They took me with them.
+It was then that I met my mate, Serena. Life is
+happier now than it ever has been before.”</p>
+
+<p>“We thank you for the story of your life,” said
+Tiny. “Now show us the way to Squirreltown.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have never heard of such a place,” replied
+the raccoon, after he had thought hard for a few
+moments.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the largest city in the world and it is a
+very important one, too,” snapped Chatty. He was
+vexed at the stranger’s ignorance.</p>
+
+<p>“You are wrong,” said the raccoon as he shook
+his head doubtfully. “I know that Coontown is
+much larger. You must ask some other animal to
+show you the way.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you,” said Tiny. He never forgot the
+value of politeness, although Chatty often did.
+“We must hasten home.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, why did you speak about those blackberries?”
+he continued, as he turned to Chatty. “We
+have lost our way. I fear dear mother grieves for
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“It was no fault of mine that Mr. Raccoon
+stopped us to tell the stupid story of his life,” retorted
+Chatty. “See the acorns under the tree.
+Some kind fairy knew that we were coming and
+threw them down.”</p>
+
+<p>Chatty ate greedily, while Tiny swiftly climbed
+to the top of a huge oak tree and gazed all about
+him. Nowhere could he see the friendly treetops
+of Squirreltown.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny sat for a long time in the top of the tree
+and looked away as far as his eyes could see. In
+the distance rose the big yellow moon. It shone
+brightly upon the treetops of the great forest, yet
+he could not see Squirreltown.</p>
+
+<p>At last he began to descend slowly, almost frightening
+to death a tree toad that was hopping about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+on its little velvet toes among the green branches.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_23" class="figcenter" style="width: 564px;">
+<img src="images/i_023.jpg" width="564" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">TINY’S BUSHY TAIL STIFFENED WITH FRIGHT.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny’s bushy tail stiffened with fright when he
+heard a loud, whirring sound and a shrill cry from
+the branch over his head. Two big yellow eyes
+glared at him through the dense foliage. They
+scared him so that he could not scamper away.</p>
+
+<p>“Hoot! hoot!” cried the dreadful creature.
+“Why are you prowling around my castle at this
+time of night? Don’t you know that I am a horned
+owl? I like to eat rabbits, squirrels, and mice.”</p>
+
+<p>“I did not mean to disturb you, sir,” said Tiny
+politely, although his teeth chattered and his limbs
+refused to move. “My name is Tiny Redsquirrel.
+I have lost my way. Can you tell me where to find
+Squirreltown?”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish I knew where it is,” said the owl, “for
+it wouldn’t take me long to put an end to it. Come
+closer that we may have a little chat. I like squirrels.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Owl, I know that it would not be prudent
+for me to get closer to you,” said Tiny, without
+moving a step. “I want everyone to like me, but
+I do not want them to like me well enough to eat
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well spoken!” cried the owl, clapping his wings
+and screeching loudly. “A fairy told me, Tiny,
+that you were coming to my castle. I promised her
+that I would not hurt you. Tell me what gift you
+desire above all things else.”</p>
+
+<p>“A good education,” replied Tiny promptly.</p>
+
+<p>“Fine!” exclaimed the owl. “Of course, squirrels<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+cannot expect to know very much. Red squirrels
+are too mischievous to learn a great deal. They
+worry robins in their nests, frighten field mice,
+steal from the farmer’s granary, and spring the
+traps that hunters set for martens. Can you tell
+me who is the wisest of all living creatures?”</p>
+
+<p>“I think it must be the donkey,” said Tiny after
+hesitating a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>“The donkey is as stupid as a stump,” said the
+owl impatiently. “What makes you think that the
+donkey is the wisest of all creatures?”</p>
+
+<p>“An animal that makes so much noise must be
+very wise,” answered the innocent squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“When you are older, you will learn that the
+wisest creatures seldom make any noise at all,” said
+the owl with a sage toss of his head. “The donkey
+is most unlike the animal that represents wisdom,
+and he&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the wisest animal is the loon,” interrupted
+the squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny had never heard the expression “crazy as
+a loon,” or he would not have made such an absurd
+guess.</p>
+
+<p>The owl laughed again. “Poor little squirrel,”
+he continued, “you are much in need of an education,
+and I will help you to realize your wish. An
+old loon lives two hundred yards from here in
+some dry muck on the ruins of an old muskrat
+house. Whenever she tries to avoid danger, she
+always runs the wrong way and jumps into it. Her
+legs are placed so far back beneath her body that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+she cannot walk very long at a time without toppling
+over. When she swims, she makes more noise
+than a family of beavers. She screeches all the
+time, and consequently gets no opportunity to
+think. You know that to be wise one must be a
+quiet thinker. No, the loon is as dull as the
+donkey.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then who is the wisest of all creatures?” asked
+Tiny, growing more and more interested.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you never heard that the owl is the symbol
+of wisdom?” asked the curious creature.
+“There is nothing I do not know.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then perhaps you can tell me where Squirreltown
+is situated,” said Tiny, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know,” replied the owl, glaring at
+Tiny until he again lost courage. “I do not fill my
+mind with useless knowledge, since there are so
+many important things to know. How ridiculous
+of you to ask me such a question! You might just
+as well ask why the moon, although not so large as
+a pumpkin, can light up this great world of ours.
+There are many things that learned students cannot
+explain so ordinary creatures can understand. I
+believe, however, that if you live long enough and
+keep traveling all the time, you may find Squirreltown
+one of these days.”</p>
+
+<p>“This is no time for jesting,” burst forth Tiny,
+his heart sinking. “I greatly desire to get home.
+I started out to gather our winter store in this
+hunting-bag, but I got lost. Mother must be quite
+tired looking for me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Your mother need not wear her eyes out <em>looking</em>
+for you, since you are surely old enough to <em>see</em>
+for yourself,” retorted the owl.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny said that he must hasten on.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not be in a hurry, my restless quadruped,”
+said the owl. “Squirrels are always in a hurry.
+You are very nervous animals. It makes me dizzy
+to look at you. I am the wisest creature of the
+forest, yet you do not choose to tarry long enough
+to get some useful information. Do you still desire
+an education, or have you changed your mind?”</p>
+
+<p>“I want to get home,” sobbed Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“I will see that your wish is granted,” said the
+owl, more kindly. “What else do you wish?”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish to grow up to be a useful squirrel.
+I want to make my mother and everybody else
+happy.”</p>
+
+<p>The owl asked him what more he desired.</p>
+
+<p>“That is all,” was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Then do as I say,” commanded the owl.
+“Before you can become truly wise, you must learn
+the lessons of patience and industry, and, as you
+struggle, you must sing the song of contentment.
+I am a wise prophet, and I will see that your wishes
+are fulfilled.</p>
+
+<p>“To-night you must sleep out in one of those
+hazel bushes. Be sure to hide yourself, for sometimes
+I fly about while asleep. In that case
+perhaps I might eat you without knowing it.
+To-morrow at dawn, follow the path that leads to
+the brook. Then turn to your right. If you should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+turn to your left, you would soon find yourself in
+Big Bear City. Keep your eyes wide open, and
+when you least expect it, you will be taught the
+lesson of patience.</p>
+
+<p>“Follow the footpath till you come to a lovely
+dell, where a fairy princess will teach you the
+lesson of industry and the value of doing good to
+others. She probably can show you the way to
+Squirreltown, for she knows all about geography.
+But, ere you reach home, you will have two dreadful
+encounters. A four-legged giant with hundreds
+of darts will rush upon you when you least expect
+it. Do not be frightened. Be calm and cautious.
+Lie close to the ground so that his darts will pass
+above you, should he throw them at you. Seize one
+of his darts, jab him; he will then run away.</p>
+
+<p>“Soon you will find yourself in the heart of a
+jungle that almost all tame beasts fear to enter.
+Another giant, a big black one, will try to hurt
+you. However, you will be protected. Do as I
+command, or you will never get back home.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you, Mr. Owl,” said Tiny, willing to
+endure any hardship if he could only see his mother
+again. “Should you come to Squirreltown, the
+Mayor will tell you where to find me. He is
+stopping at the Beech Tree Inn.”</p>
+
+<p>“What kind of stops does he use?” asked the
+owl, much amused.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny stared at him in wonderment.</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose you mean that he is <em>staying</em> at the
+Beech Tree Inn,” said the owl. “I hope you have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+enjoyed your visit in my castle. If you will stay
+a while longer I will sing. I have a most beautiful
+voice. I can sing twice as loud as a village of
+sparrows.”</p>
+
+<p>The little red squirrel did not insist upon hearing
+the owl prophet sing, for that would have been bad
+manners.</p>
+
+<p>With a polite goodnight, he scurried down the
+tree to a clump of hazel bushes, where he hid himself
+as securely as possible. He slept very little,
+for he feared that the wise owl might fly about in
+his sleep and possibly devour him.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The sunbeams shine through the boughs of the
+trees and the winds rustle gently. The dewdrops
+glitter on the grass. The brook bounds joyously
+along. The birds sing gaily and the little animals
+of the wood come forth to listen to the sweet music.
+The wild flowers open their pretty cups.</p>
+
+<p>Now the forest is ringing with glad shouts and
+songs. The sunbeams are growing brighter. The
+winds are dying down and the dewdrops are
+passing away. The brook is bounding along more
+joyously. The birds are singing more gaily. The
+little animals are running hither and thither. The
+flowers are spreading their pretty cups wide open
+to catch the sunlight. At last Tiny is waking.</p>
+
+<p>When Tiny awoke from his slumbers in the hazel
+brush, he scampered down to the edge of the brook,
+washed his face, and combed out his long, bushy
+tail. Then he began to call for Chatty, but no
+answer came. He finally decided to start alone.
+He remembered to take the path leading to the
+right as the owl had directed him. For a long time
+he sauntered along, admiring the elder, oak, and
+buckeye trees, and occasionally he darted his
+piercing gaze at some low-hanging black haw or
+pawpaw bush, fearing some animal might attack
+him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At last he came to a sandy plain, where he sat
+down to rest in the sunshine. Not far away he saw
+a city. Its streets were filled with busy inhabitants.
+Hundreds of them were hurrying to and
+fro, working with all their energy. Many little
+workers were erecting buildings. To lift a single
+grain of sand each was toiling with all his might.
+They did not stop to rest or to visit, but kept
+working, working, working. Tiny thought it would
+take them a long time to build houses from grains
+of sand.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_31" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_031.jpg" width="600" height="483" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">THEY DID NOT STOP TO REST OR VISIT, BUT KEPT WORKING,
+WORKING, WORKING.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>While the architects were busy building new
+homes, some soldiers in shiny, red clothes moved
+about as if they were giving orders to the workers.
+A crowd of watchmen stood at the gates of the city,
+ready to give warning at the approach of an enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Not one of the little creatures was alarmed by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+the squirrel. They heeded him no more than Tiny
+did the tree beneath which he was crouching. He
+drew nearer and saw that there were many little
+rooms near the surface of the city and that below
+them was a great public dining-room and storeroom.
+Evidently they all ate their meals together.
+These rooms were kept in order by a host of
+servants, who were very busy all the time carrying
+out shells, seeds, and the remains of insects. Others
+collected all the rubbish and carried it out into a
+heap outside the city limits. Scores of nurses were
+looking after the babies, and teaching them that the
+time would soon come when they must labor like
+their elders.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a great commotion in the
+street. Some food providers were struggling along
+with a fly they had found. They were taking it to
+the storeroom. The load was so heavy that several
+household workers rushed out to lend their help.
+They toiled along together, slowly, with one united
+effort, and with great difficulty; but, finally, they
+stowed the fly headlong into the public storeroom.
+Tiny breathed a sigh of relief when their hard task
+was done.</p>
+
+<p>But they did not stop to rest. They turned out
+to help others bring in a locust. The workers in
+the storeroom cleared a place for other provisions;
+the watchmen guarded the gates, without taking
+their eyes from their work; the architects, steadily
+and patiently, carried grain after grain of sand to
+the tops of their buildings.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“How full of energy they are!” exclaimed
+Tiny. “By their combined efforts they can build
+and support a great city. If something destroys it,
+they build it up again. I wish squirrels would
+work together as these insects do. Oh, I see! It
+is as the owl prophet said. I have learned the
+lesson of patience. I do feel glad that I was permitted
+to study this wonderful city. However, I
+am surprised to learn such a noble lesson from the
+smallest of all creatures&mdash;ants!”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Not far from the city of ants, Tiny halted to
+refresh himself with an acorn.</p>
+
+<p>“This country is delightful,” he said to himself.
+“A squirrel does not often
+see such a beautiful scene.
+He has little knowledge of
+the great world. I was discontented
+not long ago, but
+now I am happy. I am
+glad that I saw the ants
+and their city. They are
+very industrious creatures.
+All have much work to do,
+yet they do it willingly.
+They don’t seem to wish to
+be idle. Ants never before
+were interesting to me, but
+now I admire them very
+much. You have taught
+me a lesson, friend ant.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_34" class="figleft" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/i_034.jpg" width="250" height="363" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SUDDENLY HE SAW A SPIDER BUSY
+AT WORK UPON HER COUNTRY
+HOME.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>He sat still for a few moments gazing around
+him. Suddenly he saw a spider busy at work upon
+her country home. She wore a snuff-brown jacket
+dashed with purple, and her legs were striped like
+those of a tiger.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She had just finished digging a tunnel seven
+inches long in the earth, and had lined it with a substance
+that looked like silk. Now she was spinning
+a web to cover the outer door, which was really a
+dry oak leaf. She left an opening large enough
+to pass through. Then she pulled some blades of
+grass and fastened them across the leaf so securely
+that the entrance to her home could not be seen.
+She worked very busily, although occasionally a
+rude wasp came along and tried to sting her. In
+spite of disturbing insects, the spider finished
+building her home. Then she twined some tiny
+vines about the entrance, making a green bower
+that looked very pretty. When her difficult task
+was completed, she crawled into her silk-lined hall
+and went to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>“Plucky wood spider!” cried Tiny in admiration.
+“Although the wasps threaten her life, she
+never gives up. You work diligently, little friend.
+I admire you very much. I have learned a lesson
+in perseverance.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_36" class="figleft" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/i_036.jpg" width="250" height="354" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE SAW A DARK OBJECT SITTING
+DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny did not hunt a place in which to sleep until
+it was quite late. Indeed, the moon was beginning
+to shine before he thought of rest. Just as he was
+about to leave the path turning to the right, he saw
+a dark object sitting directly in front of him. It
+was singing in a clear and plaintive voice:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indentquote4">“Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+</div><div class="indent0">I never complain nor demur,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+</div><div class="indent0">Though the fox and the bat and the weasel and cat
+</div><div class="indent0">Are waiting to seize me and roll me out flat,
+</div><div class="indent0">And swallow me down like a great lump of fat,
+</div><div class="indentquote4">Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indentquote4">“Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+</div><div class="indent4">I have neither feathers nor fur;
+</div><div class="indent0">I am dusty and wrinkled and warts to me cling,
+</div><div class="indent0">Yet I’m never unhappy, for Nature, kind thing,
+</div><div class="indent0">Gave me such a sweet voice; so I constantly sing
+</div><div class="indent4">Wur-r-r, wur-r-r, wur-r-r.”
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>“How fortunate it is
+that an ugly creature may
+have the power to sing!”
+exclaimed Tiny so loudly
+that the toad who had been
+singing grew frightened
+and leaped into the tall
+grass.</p>
+
+<p>“You have taught me
+the song of contentment,
+Mrs. Toad,” he continued.
+“I have many privileges
+that you do not enjoy, for
+you only venture forth at
+night. Although hundreds
+of animals are waiting to
+destroy you, your song never loses its vigor. Your
+only recreation is to catch a few insects and to
+sit in the moonlight, singing ‘Wur-r-r, wur-r-r,
+wur-r-r’.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny spent the night in the fork of a wild plum
+tree. For some time he sat thinking of his mother
+and Squirreltown, but his lessons in patience and
+contentment had made him satisfied with his lot.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning he started upon his journey,
+bravely following the narrow, twisting path, ever
+ready to avoid danger.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p>
+
+<div id="Ref_37" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_037.jpg" width="600" height="640" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE WAS ABOUT TO TAKE A DRINK WHEN HE SAW WHAT HE
+TOOK TO BE A FAIRY STRUGGLING IN THE WATER.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>At length he came to a brook. He was about to
+take a drink when he saw what he took to be a
+fairy struggling in the water. She had been trying
+to get out for a long time; but, finally, her wings
+ceased to move and she lay very still.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny, who was a good swimmer, hurried out to
+rescue her. He placed his nose under her and
+lifted her from the water. Holding his head high,
+he swam to the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy crawled upon a lady’s-slipper close by
+and flapped her wings until they were quite dry.</p>
+
+<p>“You have done me a great service,” she said.
+“I’ll repay you some time when you least expect
+it. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t try,” said Tiny, with a polite bow. “I’ve
+been taught to protect the helpless, provided they
+are not too big for my protection. I hope you are
+quite dry now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I shall be able to fly back to the city as
+soon as I get my breath,” she said. “I am a queen
+bee and I should not be out of my hive. I left
+the palace this morning with several thousand followers
+and was on my way to a far-off country,
+when, in some peculiar manner, I fell into the
+water. I could not swim, so it is lucky for me that
+you came by.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope that your followers will find you. They
+must be greatly distressed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I hope they’ll find me,” said the queen bee,
+as she flapped her wings. “You see, I have thousands
+and thousands of children; but they have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+good nurses and are never much bother. It is not
+hard to govern them.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny gazed at her in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>“I have been queen of a place called the City
+Wonderful,” she continued. “I ruled fifty thousand
+subjects. We lived in a great city with
+narrow streets, protected by a beehive. You don’t
+know what a very busy place it was all summer
+long.”</p>
+
+<p>“But it doesn’t seem possible that so many
+creatures could live together. Just imagine
+fifty thousand red squirrels in one tree!” gasped
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s different,” responded the queen. “We
+live together in co-operation. Each of the workers
+knows her work and does it without having to be
+watched all the time. The workers are females,
+and they are very industrious; but the drones are
+males, and they do not work. They have to be
+driven out of the city before winter sets in, or they
+would eat all our provisions. The workers toil
+from morning till night, stopping up cracks in the
+hive with wax, carrying food to the baby bees, and
+storing it away for winter. They haven’t time to
+play in the summer. Each worker has six little
+pockets which she fills with pollen. She uses this
+in making wax for the walls. As soon as the walls
+are built, another set of workers make round
+places, or cells, in them. Others fill the cells with
+honey from the honey bags they carry about when
+they visit the flowers.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“But where do the little baby bees stay?” asked
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, they stay in the empty honey cells and are
+watched and cared for by their nurses until they
+are old enough to work,” replied the queen.
+“There is much to do, but there are many classes
+of workers, from the honey gatherers to the bees
+that stand inside the hive, fanning with their wings
+to make currents of air; for without pure air the
+crowded City Wonderful would not be a fit place
+to live in. Another set of bees cleans out the cells
+after the baby bees are old enough to come out,
+and others guard the gate of the city to keep away
+moths and other troublesome creatures.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bees are wise, sensible, industrious, and useful,”
+declared the squirrel. “I should like to see
+the City Wonderful. I am very glad that I have
+the privilege of seeing a queen bee. I wasn’t
+expecting such a great pleasure.”</p>
+
+<p>The queen bee said that she was equally glad to
+see the red squirrel, and that she would be delighted
+to invite him to see the new City Wonderful, were
+it not for the fact that her soldiers might make
+it unpleasant for him.</p>
+
+<p>“Are there many kinds of bees?” asked Tiny
+presently.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, there are fully seventy known varieties,”
+replied the queen, daintily flapping her wings.
+“There are the plasterer bees. They make tunnels
+in the ground, divide them into cells, and fill them
+with honey. They have forked tongues to use as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+trowels in smoothing down the silken layers which
+they use in making the tunnels. The flower riflers,
+which are very dark in color, make their cells on
+dry walls. Their homes look like lumps of mud.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny asked if all the bees live in great cities.</p>
+
+<p>“Not all of them,” replied the queen, “although
+they are very sociable creatures. The upholsterer
+bee cuts out round pieces from rose leaves, with
+which she lines her tiny nest. Would it not be
+delightful to live in a nest of sweet-smelling rose
+leaves? I should much prefer such sweet quietude
+to city life. The upholsterer stores honey and pollen
+that looks like rose-colored jam. I dare say it is
+very delicious. The mason bees take bits of chalk,
+sand, and woody material, which they make into
+tiny bricks to use in building their little houses.
+Another kind of bee hunts for an old snail shell in
+which to make her house. There is another variety
+that builds its nest in the heart of the scarlet poppy.
+Some bees throw out sweet perfume. Although
+most bees work in the sunshine, there is a class,
+with wings tinted like the rainbow, that works by
+moonlight. You may be learned, my friend, but I
+could sit here all day and tell you things about
+bees. You would be much surprised at many facts
+I should mention. Bees, wasps, spiders, and ants
+are very clever.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny said that there was nothing that could give
+him greater pleasure than to hear her talk.</p>
+
+<p>“But my body guard is coming,” continued the
+queen. “It is really an extraordinary thing for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+queen bee to be without attendants. They must be
+much distressed about losing me.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny asked why she had left the City Wonderful.</p>
+
+<p>“Because of family troubles,” replied the queen,
+somewhat ashamed. “We lived in perfect harmony
+until I learned that my daughter, the
+princess, would come out of her nursery cell in a few
+days to enter society. Princess bees are the only
+ones that cause trouble. They are fed on the finest
+food, and the nurses work hard to make their bodies
+as smooth and comely as possible. Of course,
+daughters that live in luxury and never have any
+responsibility are likely to be spoiled. Like all
+queen bees I am in fear of the eldest princess.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why?” cried Tiny in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, you don’t understand bees,” said the queen
+with a sigh. “When my eldest princess comes
+from her nursery and is ready to go into society,
+she will try to kill me. She will strive to be queen.
+It is always that way with the princesses.”</p>
+
+<p>“What a cruel daughter!” exclaimed the squirrel,
+much horrified.</p>
+
+<p>“All princesses try to get the queens out of the
+way,” said the bee in a sad voice. “As soon as
+they are big enough to rule others, they want to
+control everything. So I have gotten several thousand
+loyal subjects and have left the hive to build
+a city of my own.”</p>
+
+<p>“And will a cruel princess become queen in
+your place?” asked Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” was the response, “but before long she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+will become uneasy, too. Her next younger sister
+will come out of her nursery and will want to rule.
+Perhaps there will be a great contest, but doubtless
+the elder princess will have to flee as I have done.
+She will have fewer followers than I, and they will
+be called the after-swarm. Thus jealousy goes on
+in the royal family all the time, but the other bees
+are usually peaceable and are always busy.”</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Tiny heard a buzz that sounded
+as though all the insects in the world were singing
+together. A great swarm of bees, like a black
+cloud, appeared overhead.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe this must have been the first time in
+history that a queen ever got away from the rest
+of the swarm,” said the queen bee. “I have enjoyed
+this little visit so much, and I thank you a
+thousand times for saving me from drowning.”</p>
+
+<p>Waving her pretty wings in graceful farewell,
+she joined her army of soldiers, and with buzzes
+of delight they carried her away.</p>
+
+<p>“What a dreadful thing it is to be a ruler, in
+constant fear of death!” said Tiny, gratefully. “I
+am glad&mdash;oh, so glad&mdash;that I am a little common
+squirrel, as free as the sunbeams that light my
+way.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>After his strange meeting with the queen bee,
+Tiny wondered what would happen next. He
+remembered what the owl prophet had said concerning
+the dangers he would meet. As he sped
+onward, his little heart began to beat less bravely,
+for, like any young squirrel that had lived in a
+comfortable home without a care or a worry, he
+dreaded to face an uncertain future.</p>
+
+<p>“I am frightened,” he said, with a shudder, as
+he stopped at the edge of a clump of cedars to find
+a place in which to spend the night. “The day and
+the twilight are gone. No moon or star is in the
+sky. I wish I were at home with mother.”</p>
+
+<p>Then came a crash. Tiny thought for a moment
+that it was hailing. He was about to hide in the
+grass when a bright green light flashed forth, so
+brilliant that he could see all about him. He soon
+learned that the crash was caused by a multitude of
+acorns that the wind had shaken from a tree.
+Never before had he seen such splendid acorns.</p>
+
+<p>“I will fill my hunting-bag, although such a large
+load will cause me to travel more slowly,” he said.
+“A bagful of acorns is a nice thing to have. How
+happy mother will be to get them!”</p>
+
+<p>He began helping himself to the acorns. Suddenly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+he saw an ogre emerge from the ground, with
+a thousand darts all pointed straight at him. Never
+before in all his life had Tiny been so frightened.</p>
+
+<p>“Hist!” cried the ogre, advancing slowly towards
+the poor, trembling squirrel, his sharp teeth
+showing in a ghastly manner. “One of the squirrels
+of the forest enters my realm. What shall I
+do with him?”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_45" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_045.jpg" width="600" height="533" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“HIST!” CRIED THE OGRE, ADVANCING SLOWLY TOWARD
+THE POOR, TREMBLING SQUIRREL.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A hundred voices cried out in reply:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indentquote0">“Master Ogre, friend so true,
+</div><div class="indent0">He has come to steal from you.
+</div><div class="indent0">See the bag he carries there!
+</div><div class="indent0">Seize him by his auburn hair;
+</div><div class="indent0">Put him in the bag, and then
+</div><div class="indent0">Hide him in your gloomy den!”
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>Poor Tiny could only stand and shiver, awaiting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+his dreadful fate. The green light became brighter
+and brighter, and soon he saw that he was surrounded
+by a circle of glow worms. The ogre was
+a fierce porcupine. Tiny had never before seen
+such a terrible creature.</p>
+
+<p>“Every soldier in my army is loyal to me!”
+shouted the porcupine boisterously. “Each comes
+with a lantern to help me. They will aid me to
+tie you, place you in that bag, and hang you in my
+den deep down in the cold ground.”</p>
+
+<p>“I did not come to rob you,” mumbled Tiny,
+shaking violently. “I am lost, and am trying to
+find my way home. This is my hunting bag in
+which I gather my winter store. Please let me
+go unharmed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Neither you nor your hunting bag has any
+right to be on my castle grounds,” growled the
+porcupine. “Either the woodchuck or the rabbit
+has told you that I have many priceless valuables
+hidden in my storeroom.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have never met the woodchuck, nor have I
+seen the rabbit for many weeks,” wailed Tiny. “In
+my hunting bag are acorns and beech-nuts. I
+halted underneath this tree to gather a few of these
+fine acorns.”</p>
+
+<p>“Guilty creature!” cried the porcupine, bristling
+still more. “Do not these acorns belong to me, also
+the tree they grow upon? Confess now that you
+were going to burrow into my storeroom and carry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+off the precious carrots and cabbage leaves I have
+stored away for a rainy day.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are mistaken,” said Tiny, almost dead
+from fright, while the glow worms circled still more
+closely about him.</p>
+
+<p>Just then he remembered what the owl prophet
+had told him to do. As the porcupine attempted
+to seize him, Tiny leaped forward and caught one
+of the sharp darts and gave him a hard jab, which
+made the porcupine shriek at the top of his voice.
+Moaning with pain,
+the ferocious creature
+disappeared
+into the ground.
+The glow worms
+vanished.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_47" class="figleft" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/i_047.jpg" width="300" height="453" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“I HAVE CONQUERED THE OGRE!” CRIED TINY
+IN DELIGHT, WHIRLING THE SWORD ABOUT
+IN THE AIR.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“I have conquered
+the ogre!”
+cried Tiny in delight,
+whirling the
+dart about in the
+air. “I am glad
+that I took the wise
+owl’s advice.”</p>
+
+<p>Still carrying the
+dart, or quill, that
+he had wrested
+from the porcupine,
+he groped his way
+back to the path.</p>
+
+<p>Soon the rays of the moon made everything as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+bright as day. He had not gone far when he saw
+to the left a deep, dark jungle, concerning which
+the owl prophet had spoken.</p>
+
+<p>“It is a dismal place after night,” he said, “but
+I must go into the jungle as I have promised to do.
+I shall use the dart to protect myself.”</p>
+
+<p>With some difficulty he entered the damp place,
+without thought of the terrible fright that awaited
+him.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Deeper and deeper Tiny wandered into the heart
+of the jungle. It was very damp and chilly as well
+as ghostly. His hunting bag was heavy, but he did
+not lose heart.</p>
+
+<p>He had heard that fairy princesses with torches
+often came to the aid of good squirrels that were in
+trouble. He wished that they would come to help
+him. But the dark trees and bushes looked like
+frightful hiding places for foxes and other mischievous
+animals. He grew more and more
+alarmed. Finally he halted at the foot of a pine
+tree.</p>
+
+<p>“I will spend the night here,” he said to himself.
+“I shall be out of danger in this great tree. What
+a lonesome place it is! This is one of the gloomiest
+valleys I ever saw. I’ll hide my acorns under the
+tree and find a place in which to rest.”</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had he spoken these words, when a
+terrible growl fell upon his ears. At the same time
+a great black object rose between himself and the
+tree. It was the largest creature Tiny had ever
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the black giant that Mr. Owl told me
+about,” chattered Tiny, dropping his hunting bag.
+“Oh, what shall I do?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The giant, which was really a black bear, growled
+louder than before and tried to strike Tiny with
+his great paw. The red squirrel, quick as a flash,
+attacked the giant with his dart, but only broke it
+into several pieces. Then, as fast as his legs could
+carry him, he scurried up the pine tree. The bear,
+shaking with rage, attempted to climb the tree, too,
+but he was so heavy that a bough gave way, and he
+fell clumsily to the ground.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_51" class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
+<img src="images/i_051.jpg" width="452" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE WAS SO HEAVY THAT A BRANCH GAVE WAY
+AND HE FELL CLUMSILY TO THE GROUND.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“You may be a great fighter on the ground, but
+you can’t climb trees,” laughed Tiny in spite of his
+recent fright.</p>
+
+<p>“You shall stay in that tree till your beard turns
+gray,” growled the bear, “for I intend to see that
+you do not escape.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny hid himself in one of the thick branches and
+remained quiet for a long time. He feared to go to
+sleep, lest he might fall upon Mr. Bruin’s upturned
+nose. In the meantime, the bear fell into a deep
+slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Finally the thought struck Tiny that he might be
+close to Squirreltown. He quickly ascended to the
+topmost branch and looked all about him.</p>
+
+<p>Less than two miles away he saw a wonderful
+sight. It seemed to him that millions of bright
+stars clustered together over the top of a tall tree
+in the east. They circled briskly about, sparkling
+and flashing like diamonds in an immense crown.</p>
+
+<p>“The good owl prophet has told me the truth
+from first to last,” said Tiny, his heart almost
+bursting from joy. “I recognize the dear old oak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+where I was born, although it is a long distance
+away. Squirreltown stands under that crown of
+heavenly bodies. Never before have I seen that
+kind of stars. Those rays are as bright as these
+anxious eyes of mine. Hurrah for home and
+mother! How strange it is that all my difficulties
+have helped me to find the right way home!”</p>
+
+<p>He hastened down to the lowest branch of the
+tree, but Bruin was still sleeping, with his head
+against its massive trunk. Tiny, whose mother had
+taught him the lesson of prudence, did not dare to
+venture down, lest the big black bear should seize
+him. So he went back to his resting place, and soon
+fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>In the early gray dawn, he awoke and peeped
+from his cozy shelter. The birds were leaving their
+green roofs to find food for their families. The
+daisies in the woods and valleys were beginning to
+spread their white and crimson-tipped stars. The
+leaves trembled in the early breezes. Old Bruin
+was not far from the tree. He had found a hollow
+stump, and was rooting around it with his long
+nose.</p>
+
+<p>Soon there was a buzzing sound that swelled into
+an angry roar. Old Bruin, in trying to steal some
+honey, had gotten into trouble with the bees. The
+swarm was very angry. Hundreds of bees poured
+from the stump and alighted on his head, in his
+eyes, ears, and nostrils.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_54" class="figleft" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/i_054.jpg" width="300" height="492" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">CRAZED WITH PAIN THE BEAR DASHED
+AWAY.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Crazed with pain, the bear dashed away, bellowing
+at the top of his voice. Tiny, although<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+very kind-hearted and forgiving, could not keep
+from laughing at the plight of the bear. His cries
+sounded like the mingled shrieks of many different
+animals, for the sting of each bee was like the
+cut of a knife.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny scurried down
+the tree to find his hunting
+bag, and what was
+his delight to find other
+delicacies that would
+make his winter store
+complete.</p>
+
+<p>“What a glorious
+jungle this is!” he cried.
+“I am glad I followed
+the advice of the owl
+prophet, for no squirrel
+has ever before been so
+fortunate. The ground
+is covered with pine
+cones, the seeds of which
+are delicious. Across the
+way is a large quantity
+of beech-nuts, and all
+around me are blackberry bushes. There is nothing
+else so delicious as dried blackberries.”</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of his joy, the queen bee that he had
+rescued from the brook lit upon a purple crow-foot
+growing by the stump, and cried out:</p>
+
+<p>“Good morning, my four-legged friend. You
+are the squirrel that saved my life.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I am glad to see you again, your majesty,” said
+Tiny with his polite bow. “I wish you had happened
+to come sooner, for that dreadful black giant
+made me stay in yonder pine tree all night long.”</p>
+
+<p>“The impudent creature tried to get into our new
+home in the stump,” said the queen. “My soldiers
+will chase him and his companions so far away that
+they will never find their way back here.”</p>
+
+<p>“You have done me a great service,” said Tiny,
+with a second bow. “I thank you from the bottom
+of my heart.”</p>
+
+<p>“A kind act always brings its reward,” said the
+queen cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p>“But how can a tiny bee scare such a monstrous
+creature as a bear?” asked the squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“One bee couldn’t scare anything,” laughed the
+queen. “You must remember that bees work together.
+When hundreds and hundreds of bees
+attack a bear, he is sure to make good use of his
+legs.”</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t it rather unpleasant to live in a stump,
+after having been queen of the City Wonderful?”
+asked Tiny, after a moment of silence.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I rather enjoy the change,” returned the
+queen bee, with a merry buzz. “I hear that my
+oldest daughter, the princess, is now queen of the
+City Wonderful, but that she is uneasy all the time,
+as her next younger sister is almost ready to leave
+her nursery and fight for the crown. Occasionally
+there is strife in the City Wonderful, for as soon as
+a princess leaves her nursery, she wants to rule. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+am quite content to live here with my twenty thousand
+faithful followers. It is better to live peaceably
+in a stump than with a quarrelsome daughter
+in a fine palace.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish you much happiness,” said Tiny, with
+still another bow.</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you,” replied the queen, testing her
+gauzy wings. “I learned yesterday from one of my
+workers that Squirreltown is but a short distance
+away. Follow the path leading eastward, and you
+will be there in time for dinner.”</p>
+
+<p>“And what a dinner I shall take to my good
+mother!” exclaimed Tiny, looking about him.</p>
+
+<p>There was his hunting bag filled with choice
+acorns. Fully two bushels of beech-nuts and three
+barrels of pine cones were scattered over the
+ground. On the blackberry bushes, some of which
+were five feet high, were at least a dozen gallons of
+dried berries.</p>
+
+<p>“I warn you that all is not well at Squirreltown,”
+continued the queen. “They are having a dreadful
+famine there, and your poor mother may have
+starved by this time. Fear, want, and anxiety are
+terrible companions with which to live.”</p>
+
+<p>“What caused the famine?” asked Tiny in
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“Acorns and all the other queer food that squirrels
+eat are very scarce in Squirreltown just now,”
+explained the queen; “and, to make it all the worse,
+the squirrels there were annoyed by a host of bears
+that took up their abode in the city. As a result,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+all the inhabitants were afraid to leave their homes.
+The poor creatures were hungry enough to eat one
+another.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are there many bears about here?” asked Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Quite a number of them came to the jungle,
+because there are so many acorns. They intended
+to hibernate here. I remembered how kind you had
+been to me, so I sent messengers to all the bees for
+miles around to drive the bears out of Squirreltown.
+We intend to keep them out of this jungle.
+We will watch your city every day and woe betide
+the bear that enters! Should one attempt to pass
+the city limits, an alarm will be sent out, and at
+least a thousand bees will chase him until he falls
+down exhausted. Bears, deer, and buffaloes are
+cowards. However, they do look very dreadful to
+small creatures like us.”</p>
+
+<p>“I can never repay you for your courtesies,” said
+Tiny, this time bowing so low that his bushy tail
+looked like a canopy over his head.</p>
+
+<p>“Now run along home before my army returns,”
+continued the queen. “All the citizens of Squirreltown
+know that you are coming, and that you are
+their deliverer. I will send a few of my messengers
+to guide you, and to conduct your friends back to
+the jungle where they can eat all they want, and
+store things for winter use. Goodby.”</p>
+
+<p>The queen bee flew back into the stump, buzzing
+happily. Tiny laughed, cried, chattered, and sang
+for joy. After helping himself to a few berries and
+pine cones, he picked up his bunting bag and
+trudged along to Squirreltown, as happy as a king.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The bees that had been sent to guide Tiny back
+to Squirreltown did not speak a word. They flew
+a short distance ahead of him, occasionally stopping
+to rest or to take refreshment from the cup of a
+wild rose.</p>
+
+<p>What was Tiny’s joy when again he beheld the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+familiar trees of Squirreltown! His delight knew
+no bounds when the squirrels, red, gray, and black,
+scurried forth from their homes to welcome him.
+Soon he was the center of an excited group. They
+stroked his fur, pulled his beard, and shouted joyfully:</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_58" class="figcenter" style="width: 594px;">
+<img src="images/i_058.jpg" width="594" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“WELCOME HOME! HURRAH FOR TINY REDSQUIRREL! LONG
+LIFE TO THE DELIVERER OF SQUIRRELTOWN.”</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Welcome home! Hurrah for Tiny Redsquirrel!
+Long life to the deliverer of Squirreltown!”</p>
+
+<p>They were about to pounce upon his hunting bag,
+but Tiny gently pushed them away, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“These are for my mother. Shall I tell you
+where I got them?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, yes,” replied the squirrels, who were
+almost starved.</p>
+
+<p>“Follow those bees to a jungle not far distant,
+where you can get enough provisions to last all
+winter long. It is a dark and lonely place, but you
+need have no fear, for a fairy queen lives there
+who has promised to protect you. I will join you
+soon.”</p>
+
+<p>Although the squirrels were anxious to inquire
+about Tiny’s health and to learn of his experience,
+they immediately scampered off to the jungle, for
+sometimes when little creatures become very
+hungry they cease to be polite.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny, finding himself all alone, hurried to his
+home in the great oak tree. When he saw the face
+of his dear mother, he was filled with mingled joy
+and sorrow. She looked much older, for a few days
+in Squirreltown is a very long time, and she had
+been grieving constantly for her lost son.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Instead of rushing to embrace him, as one would
+expect her to do, she ran rapidly about the room,
+bounding over the table and chairs, shrieking and
+making as much noise as possible, for that is the
+way red squirrels show great joy.</p>
+
+<p>“I am so glad that you have come back, my son!”
+she cried again and again. “Tell me all about your
+adventures, for you must have had many of them.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_60" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_060.jpg" width="600" height="521" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE PULLED THE HUNTING BAG INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE
+ROOM AND OPENED IT.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Let us first have some supper, for you must be
+almost starved,” said Tiny. He pulled the hunting
+bag into the middle of the room, and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, how tempting!” cried his mother, sniffing
+at the dried blackberries, and gazing hungrily at
+the acorns and pine cones. “I have had nothing to
+eat for two days.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Then let us have a good feast together,” said
+Tiny, with a merry laugh. “While we are eating
+I will tell you the story of my wanderings.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall eat while you are talking,” said Mrs.
+Redsquirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“But first I should like to know whether Chatty
+Chipmunk is safe,” said Tiny anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know,” replied Mrs. Redsquirrel, with
+a sigh. “Animals of the neighboring towns are
+doing all they can to assist our city in finding him,
+but so far they have had little encouragement. His
+poor mother is ill from anxiety. No one in the
+town suffers more than she.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny told his mother how he had become separated
+from Chatty. He also told her about his
+meeting with the various creatures of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>“I think I may have been traveling in a circle
+all the time,” he concluded.</p>
+
+<p>“All bright, heavenly bodies travel in a circle,”
+said his mother with pride. “At any rate I am glad
+that you are safe at home once more. Now that we
+have finished our meal, I will make the room more
+tidy. Can I lift this hunting bag?”</p>
+
+<p>“I will put it away,” answered Tiny, seizing the
+bag and pulling it into the storeroom. “To-morrow
+I will go out into the jungle and bring you enough
+provisions to last all winter. Now, dear mother,
+tell me what has happened in Squirreltown during
+my absence.”</p>
+
+<p>“On the day you left a number of bears took up
+their abode in the heart of the city,” began Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+Redsquirrel, with a shudder. “We squirrels could
+do nothing. We tried to drive them away by throwing
+twigs at them, but the dreadful things only
+laughed at us, and said they would stay as long as
+they lived. We couldn’t leave our homes to go out
+into the country where the trees are loaded with
+acorns and beech-nuts, so we stayed inside and
+waited for help. The poor chipmunks in the ground
+must have suffered more than we.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry that I was not here to comfort you,”
+said Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“I missed you sorely, for you are so much braver
+than I,” said Mrs. Redsquirrel meekly. “Last night
+some of the older bears went away to get food.
+Early this morning we heard a most terrible noise.
+I peeped from my window and could see the bears
+scattering in every direction, and could hear them
+roaring and begging for mercy. Some of them fell
+over logs and rolled helplessly about. In a few
+moments they had all disappeared, and they did not
+return. Presently an army of wee soldiers came to
+the city, buzzing merrily, and settled down on that
+old hemlock tree where the Flyingsquirrel family
+formerly lived. Then Bushy Graysquirrel rushed
+in to tell me that several maids of honor to the fairy
+queen wanted to speak to me. She said that they
+bore news from you.”</p>
+
+<p>“How remarkable!” exclaimed Tiny. “It
+sounds, indeed, like a fairy tale.”</p>
+
+<p>“It was more like a bad dream to me,” declared
+Mrs. Redsquirrel. “Between you and me I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+afraid to go down, and yet I wanted to hear something
+about you. In a few minutes I had brushed
+myself as neat as possible, and stood in the presence
+of the queen’s army. A tiny maid of honor, with
+shiny wings, came forth and told me how you had
+saved the queen’s life. She said that she and her
+soldiers had promised to keep their eyes on Squirreltown,
+and how they would see that the bears
+disturbed us no more. I was also assured that you
+were well, and that you would be back soon. I
+thanked her for her kindness, and returned home.
+Squirreltown at once became the liveliest place you
+ever saw. All the citizens mingled together as if
+they belonged to one family, and they cheered
+loudly for Tiny Redsquirrel, whom they called their
+deliverer. They are planning to give you a party
+late this afternoon.”</p>
+
+<p>“That will be delightful,” said Tiny, beginning
+to feel very important. “Last night I saw a crown
+of glittering stars circling about the tops of our
+tallest trees. I never saw stars that shone brighter
+than they.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the most interesting
+part of the story,” replied Mrs. Redsquirrel.
+“The queen doubtless knew that you would go to
+some treetop, hoping to catch a glimpse of Squirreltown,
+so she sent out some of her attendants to the
+camp of the fireflies, to beg them to lend their aid.
+Before long several thousand of the bright, pretty
+creatures were circling about the tops of the oak
+trees.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“How wonderful!” exclaimed Tiny, with breathless
+interest. “I did not know that such little
+creatures could be so helpful.”</p>
+
+<p>“Three times to-day several of the queen’s maids
+of honor flew into my window and left me some
+honey,” continued the mother. “I have grown
+quite fond of honey, although I do not believe that
+sweets are good for animals.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny then told his parent how the owl prophet
+had taken an interest in him, and how he expected
+to seek him soon to receive more knowledge.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not put much dependence upon owls,” said
+Mrs. Redsquirrel, beginning to tremble, “but,
+should it be to your advantage, I would not complain
+if you should go to thank him for his goodness.
+He has been so kind that you ought not to
+show ingratitude. Perhaps he may teach you many
+other things that you should know.”</p>
+
+<p>“May I lie down for a few moments, mother?”
+asked Tiny, for he was beginning to feel the effects
+of his long and tiresome journey.</p>
+
+<p>“Dear son, you may,” she replied, as she hastened
+to make his couch more comfortable. “You
+ought to take a long nap before the party.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny became ill, and could not venture out of
+doors, so the party was postponed until he should
+get well. His mother sent for Dr. Flyingsquirrel,
+who lived out in the country. The doctor, who
+could spread out his loose skin and fly like a bird,
+said that Tiny should remain quiet for at least two
+days.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_65" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_065.jpg" width="600" height="533" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SEVERAL OF TINY’S BEST FRIENDS, INCLUDING THE MAYOR
+HIMSELF, AND OTHER IMPORTANT CITIZENS CAME TO
+SEE HIM.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Mayor of Squirreltown issued an edict that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+anyone who made a loud noise should be banished
+from the city, so intense silence reigned. Several
+of Tiny’s best friends, including the mayor himself
+and other important citizens, came to see him. They
+brought him wild flowers, acorns fashioned by their
+teeth into fanciful cups, and many other pretty
+things which Tiny gratefully received.</p>
+
+<p>The second morning Bushy Graysquirrel brought
+him a book of fables written by Father Aesop, who
+at that time was the greatest writer known to
+Animal Kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>The story that pleased him most was the
+following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="center">THE MOUSE’S DISCOVERY.</p>
+
+<p>Once upon a time a donkey, a wolf, a fox, and a
+cat fell into an argument as to which of them was
+the greatest.</p>
+
+<p>A field mouse, who was hiding close by in a tuft
+of grass, heard the conversation, and was much
+amused.</p>
+
+<p>“I am the greatest thing in the world,” boasted
+the wolf, “for I am so brave that I fear nothing.
+On the other hand, you would all run if I showed
+my teeth and claws. I am one of man’s greatest
+fears.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is certainly no sign of greatness to be a good
+fighter,” said the fox, proudly curling his tail as
+foxes sometimes do. “I am shrewd and wily. It
+is much better to have these qualities of mind than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+to be fierce. Children’s books are full of stories
+concerning my cunning tricks.”</p>
+
+<p>“Foxes’ opinions of themselves are sometimes
+absurd,” said the donkey, stamping his hoofs upon
+the ground to scare away the flies. “Donkeys are
+the greatest of all objects, for the reason that they
+are useful and always can be depended upon.
+Donkeys’ feet are more sure than the hoofs of
+horses.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am the chief of all objects,” proclaimed the
+cat, from a bough of one of the birches. “I belong
+to the tiger family, yet I am so gentle that children
+keep me for a pet. Men prefer dogs, but cats are
+women’s favorites. The wolf’s importance is small
+compared with mine. My food is brought to me,
+and I spend my spare time catching mice. Cats are
+mice’s greatest foes.”</p>
+
+<p>The mouse’s heart stood still when he heard these
+dreadful words from the cat’s mouth, for he
+dreaded cats’ paws more than he did wolves’ teeth.</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot fight, nor am I shrewd enough to steal,
+strong enough to carry loads, nor lazy enough to
+be a child’s pet; but I can sing,” warbled a thrush
+from the branch of another tree. “Birds are men’s
+sweetest comforters, for their tunes always drive
+away care. Flies’ lives are spent in useless buzzing.
+A fly’s buzz is not sweet to hear, as the donkey well
+knows. However, thrushes’ songs are very melodious,
+for thrushes practice singing all day long.
+Surely the thrush’s position is high above that of
+all other objects.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Before the wolf could open his mouth to praise
+himself again, there was a sound of heavy footsteps.
+Presently a man came in sight, carrying a blunderbuss.</p>
+
+<p>The wolf, forgetting how brave he was, darted
+away; the donkey’s departure was almost as sudden;
+the thrush flew high into the sky; the cat
+scurried to the birch’s topmost branch; and the
+hair on the fox’s tail stood straight up as he leaped
+the bushes.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_68" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_068.jpg" width="600" height="482" alt="See how they run." />
+</div>
+
+<p>“See how they run!” exclaimed the field mouse,
+laughing at the frightened animals who a moment
+since had been boasting of their power. “It is very
+plain to be seen that the greatest of all objects is the
+blunderbuss.”</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>When the two days were up Tiny had quite
+regained his health. Great preparations had been
+made for a jubilee. A grand banquet, given by the
+mayor and other high
+officials, was to be held
+in the hollow of a big
+tree.</p>
+
+<p>When Tiny stepped
+out upon the little
+rustic veranda in
+front of his home, he
+observed that the
+branches of the tree
+below him were
+thronged with squirrels
+of all colors and of
+all walks in life.</p>
+
+<p>“Hurrah for Tiny
+Redsquirrel!” they
+shouted. “Welcome, deliverer of Squirreltown!
+Three cheers for the noblest and bravest squirrel
+of Animal Kingdom! A speech! A speech!”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_69" class="figleft" style="width: 350px;">
+<img src="images/i_069.jpg" width="350" height="416" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">TINY BECAME OVERWHELMED BY A FEELING
+OF IMPORTANCE&mdash;THERE WAS ALL
+SQUIRRELTOWN AT HIS FEET.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Strange to say, instead of being embarrassed,
+Tiny became overwhelmed by a feeling of importance.
+There was all Squirreltown at his feet, including<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+the mayor and Billy Foxsquirrel, the noted
+whistler. Tiny bowed very stiffly, while the squirrels
+at the tops of their voices shouted lustily. He
+looked down upon them just as the wise owl
+prophet had gazed at him.</p>
+
+<p>“Fellow citizens,” he began, “I thank you for
+the honor you do me. I see many faces before me
+that show appreciation for what I have done to
+rescue our city from the bears. I choose to do all I
+can to help you.</p>
+
+<p>“The mayor invited me to make a speech to you.
+At the time, I knew that I could not prepare one as
+well as he, but I threw myself into the task and did
+the best I could. I am glad that this public reception
+has drawn so many of you to this place.</p>
+
+<p>“You have given me great happiness. Our
+beautiful city has grown very dear to me. I am
+glad that I was driven all round the world, for I
+learned many things that I will teach you. I have
+become much wiser since I have traveled, and have
+learned much that you do not know. I&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>But in the midst of his grand eloquence, Tiny
+was interrupted. As he stood beating the air with
+his little paws, trying to impress his hearers, there
+came a flapping of wings overhead.</p>
+
+<p>His terrified hearers fled in all directions, but
+before he could escape he was seized and borne high
+into the air&mdash;up, up amongst the tree-tops.</p>
+
+<p>He was too much frightened to cry out. He could
+only wait until the dreadful creature that held him
+in his clutches should set him free. His blood<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+almost froze in his veins. He wondered what he
+should do if his frail limbs were broken, or if he
+should be cast down in some lonely place to perish.
+Perhaps he would be eaten. His heart fell within
+him.</p>
+
+<p>After traveling for some time in this unusual and
+uncomfortable manner, he found himself in a nest
+of great size, with the owl prophet staring at him
+with big yellow eyes.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_71" class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
+<img src="images/i_071.jpg" width="452" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE FOUND HIMSELF IN A NEST OF HUGE SIZE,
+WITH THE OWL PROPHET STARING AT
+HIM WITH BIG, YELLOW EYES.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Although he was in a quiver of fright, like many
+other small creatures, he did not wish to appear
+concerned, so he smiled feebly and said:</p>
+
+<p>“Hello!”</p>
+
+<p>“How dare you be so bold?” cried the owl in a
+dry, unnatural voice. “Do you think I am a telephone?”</p>
+
+<p>“Pardon me,” said Tiny weakly. “My grammar
+is very bad.”</p>
+
+<p>“Grammar is never bad,” corrected the owl. “It
+is your English that is bad.”</p>
+
+<p>“But why did you take me away from dear old
+Squirreltown?” wailed Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“To teach you the lesson of humility,” replied
+the owl prophet. “I have flown all the way to
+Squirreltown and back here to keep you from disgracing
+yourself. I am glad that I went. To see
+little Tiny Redsquirrel, puffed with vanity, frisking
+about with his little paws and bushy tail, lecturing
+to the old citizens of Squirreltown, was enough
+to make a wise owl laugh. What do you suppose
+the mayor thought of you?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know,” replied Tiny, ashamed of himself
+in spite of his excitement. “I fear that I was
+very pompous; but then I had delivered Squirreltown
+from the bears, and I thought I had a right to
+be bold. You see, the mayor intended to have me
+for supper.”</p>
+
+<p>“If you complain any more, I myself will have
+you for supper,” declared the owl, with no pity
+whatever. “I suppose you mean that the mayor
+intended to entertain you at supper, for it is not
+likely that he would wish to eat you.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny stared in bewilderment. He could not understand
+all the odd sayings of the prophet, but,
+nevertheless, he corrected himself by saying:</p>
+
+<p>“The mayor invited me to eat supper with him.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, he will have all the more to eat without
+you, and will not have to listen to any more of your
+speeches,” snapped the owl. “Which one of those
+squirrels was the mayor?”</p>
+
+<p>“The large one with the sleek fur. I have often
+been told that the mayor looks like I do,” replied
+Tiny, his new vanity again appearing.</p>
+
+<p>“To be sure he does,” retorted the owl, with a
+laugh. “I, too, look like you do.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny again stared in astonishment. He could see
+no points of resemblance between himself and the
+owl.</p>
+
+<p>“A bee looks like you do,” continued the prophet.
+“A bear looks like you do; so does a weasel, an
+elephant, a hyena, a jay bird, and a loon; even a
+monkey looks like you do.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“You are jesting with me,” protested Tiny, beginning
+to be vexed.</p>
+
+<p>“All animals look like you do, because they look
+with their eyes just as you do,” said the owl, with
+another distracting screech.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I see,” said Tiny, good-naturedly. “I
+should have said that the mayor looks like <em>me</em>. It
+was incorrect for me to say that the mayor looks
+like I do.”</p>
+
+<p>“Quite so,” said the owl, less harshly. “You are
+a bright little creature, and I am going to see that
+your wish for knowledge is granted. You felt very
+important an hour ago, when you tried to make a
+public speech before the oldest citizens of Squirreltown;
+but now you see how little you know. I am
+going to take you to Beaver Creek, where you may
+complete your education. Very few animals of
+the wood know of this school, and only the ablest
+ones are admitted to it. When you have graduated,
+you may go back to Squirreltown. Perhaps by that
+time you will be able to make a modest speech before
+your fellow squirrels.”</p>
+
+<p>“I really want an education,” replied Tiny, with
+enthusiasm. “The schools at Squirreltown are not
+very good, and very few squirrels attend them. We
+are such nervous creatures, and care more for play
+than for study. But what will my mother do without
+me?”</p>
+
+<p>“If she is a good mother, she will not stand in the
+way of your education,” replied the owl. “I will
+write her a letter which the messenger pigeon, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+friend of mine, will carry to her. You must write
+to her twice a week, and the messenger pigeon will
+bear the letters to her.”</p>
+
+<p>“I dislike to write letters,” protested Tiny. “It
+is such stupid work.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is generally a stupid creature that dislikes to
+write letters,” said the owl severely. “He does not
+like to write, because he does not know how to write
+well. In Miss Hare’s School at Beaver Creek, you
+will be taught how to write correctly; then letter
+writing will prove to be a great pleasure to you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am anxious to attend this school, because I
+want to learn how to read stories and to count,”
+said Tiny, after a moment of anxious thought.</p>
+
+<p>“You must promise to work hard,” said the owl,
+earnestly. “You will find pupils at this school from
+all parts of Animal Kingdom. Miss Hare is a good
+instructor, but very strict. If you should do anything
+that would injure one of your classmates, you
+would be drowned in the creek. Now roll yourself
+into a little round
+ball again, for I am
+ready to start.”</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 350px;">
+<img src="images/i_076.jpg" width="350" height="329" alt="The owl carries Tiny" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny did as he
+was commanded.
+The owl almost encircled
+him with his
+long claws, and
+away they went to a
+strange land, about
+which Tiny had
+never even dreamed.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>As he flew through the air in the clutches of the
+owl, Tiny realized what a small, helpless creature
+he was. Not a word was spoken till they stopped at
+the bank of a creek, which looked to him like a great
+river. It was filled, in one place, with branches of
+willows, beeches, poplars, and other trees. His
+heart beat sluggishly, for the scene was very dismal,
+indeed.</p>
+
+<p>“Have no fear,” said the owl prophet, not so
+gruffly as usual. “I have promised the queen bee to
+help you. A great many creatures do not like to go
+to school, but in after years they always regret it
+if they have quit school before completing the
+course.”</p>
+
+<p>Not a sound could be heard except the babbling of
+the brook and the tinkling of a waterfall several
+rods away. Tiny shuddered, but said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>“These buildings were built by beavers,” explained
+the owl, although it was so dark Tiny could
+not see them at all. “When they moved away, Miss
+Hare started her school here. Only one of the
+beavers remained. He is a skilled carpenter and
+janitor, and he keeps the building in good repair.
+You no doubt have heard that he mixes mortar with
+his forepaws, and uses his broad tail for a trowel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+Young beavers stay at home till they are three
+years old; then they build houses of their own.
+This school is situated upon a stream of flowing
+water, as you see, for Miss Hare thinks that little
+scholars should have plenty of water as well as
+fresh air.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_78" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_078.jpg" width="600" height="631" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT BY BEAVERS,” EXPLAINED THE
+OWL.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“I am glad that I came,” said Tiny, although he
+looked into the owl’s yellow eyes with some distrust.
+He still feared that the wise prophet might
+suddenly pounce upon him and eat him.</p>
+
+<p>“Hoot! hoot! hoot! Is everybody asleep?” cried
+the wise owl. “I can’t see why creatures want to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+sleep at night. I never close my eyes then, for I
+have plenty of sleep in the daytime. Besides, one
+should always be on the lookout at night, for one
+never knows what may happen.”</p>
+
+<p>Soon there was a splashing in the water, and in
+a few moments a queer animal approached them.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the janitor,” explained the owl, somewhat
+annoyed by the delay. “I fear he is getting lazy.
+He surely is not overworked, for all he does is to
+look after the buildings, play, sleep, and eat the
+bark of trees and the roots of water lilies.”</p>
+
+<p>“I beg pardon for keeping you waiting so long,”
+said the beaver. “As soon as I heard you, I rose to
+find out your wish.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have brought a pupil to Miss Hare,” said the
+owl. “Please see that he has a comfortable room
+for the night. Tell Miss Hare that I will write her
+a letter soon.”</p>
+
+<p>The owl prophet flew away, leaving Tiny with the
+beaver, who moved sleepily back along the willow
+boughs to a group of quaint houses made of mud,
+stones, and sticks. Their dome-shaped roofs were
+several feet above the level of the water.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, from the front window of one of the
+houses, a gleam of light shot forth and an odd-looking
+animal thrust out its head.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny, who by this time was accustomed to surprises,
+looked up to behold Miss Hare gazing down
+upon him. She looked very comical in her white
+nightcap.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, well, well, what is the matter?” she cried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+in a high voice. “My nerves are shaken by the
+dreadful noises I have heard. What is the matter,
+Mr. Beaver?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Owl has brought another pupil,” said the
+beaver, politely. “I do not know where to put
+him.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_80" class="figcenter" style="width: 453px;">
+<img src="images/i_080.jpg" width="453" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“MR. OWL HAS BROUGHT ANOTHER PUPIL,” SAID
+THE BEAVER, POLITELY.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Let him stay with Reynard Redfox to-night,”
+replied Miss Hare, looking searchingly at Tiny.
+“What a frail little creature you are! You must
+belong to the Rat family.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny did not like Miss Hare’s frank way of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+speaking, and to be compared to a rat was not
+agreeable, but he said politely:</p>
+
+<p>“I am Tiny Redsquirrel of Squirreltown. I desire
+very much to get an education.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will let you stay if you will obey the rules,”
+said Miss Hare, severely. “I have always heard
+that red squirrels are very mischievous animals.
+You must know that I will not permit any foolishness.
+Not long ago Mr. Owl brought a pupil here
+who was so very saucy and naughty that I was glad
+to get rid of him. Although I taught him the lessons
+of kindness and charity, he bit Weenie Mouse
+and hit Winkie Weasel with an acorn. One day he
+tore out one of Katie Goose’s feathers and frightened
+the poor fowl almost to death. I never before
+saw such a bad creature. He looked very much like
+you. Do you know Chatty Chipmunk?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, ma’am,” replied Tiny, heartily ashamed of
+his youthful companion. “Is he at this school?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, he forsook us before he had been here three
+days,” answered Miss Hare. “I think he must
+have been drowned. I will give you a trial; but if
+you prove unworthy of my school I will never receive
+any more pupils brought to me by Mr. Owl.
+Good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come on,” said the beaver. “I will take you to
+meet your roommate.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I cannot room with a red fox!” protested
+Tiny, much alarmed. “He will eat me during his
+sleep.”</p>
+
+<p>“You need have no fear,” said the beaver assuringly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+“Miss Hare has taught all her pupils the
+lesson of self-denial. She puts all sorts of temptations
+in their way, but none of them ever yield unless
+they are downright bad, as Chatty Chipmunk
+was. Reynard Redfox is very well bred. He and
+Bantam Chicken are the best of friends. Wherever
+you see Bantam, you may also see Reynard
+following after him.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny did not feel very comfortable when the
+beaver opened the door of one of the buildings and
+told him to enter.</p>
+
+<p>Three or four fireflies, whose duty it was to carry
+lanterns, flew about the room, making it very light.
+Reynard Redfox, who was very large compared
+with Tiny, rose and shook out his stiff, long-haired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+coat. He gazed hungrily at the little red squirrel
+as though he were starving for his companionship.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_82" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_082.jpg" width="600" height="535" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“MR. REDFOX, THIS IS MR. REDSQUIRREL,” SAID THE
+BEAVER.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Mr. Redfox, this is Mr. Redsquirrel,” said the
+beaver. “Mr. Redsquirrel is a new scholar and
+Miss Hare said he should share your room to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“He is most welcome,” said Reynard with a
+smile that made Tiny tremble all over. “I always
+was fond of squirrels. I fancy we shall get along
+famously together, as he takes up so little room.”</p>
+
+<p>“I assure you I shall occupy as little space as
+possible,” replied Tiny, politely. “I shall sleep
+here by the door, and, if I annoy you during the
+night, all you have to do is to make a noise and I
+will jump into the creek.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are quite safe,” assured the fox, settling
+himself for a nap. “Since I have been at this
+school I have learned how cowardly it is to injure
+creatures smaller and weaker than myself. I hope
+you will like our school.”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope so, too,” said Tiny, faintly. “Of course,
+it will take time to get acquainted with all the
+strange animals I shall meet. I have seen little
+of the world.”</p>
+
+<p>“Just be kind and unselfish, and you will make
+friends,” said the red fox. “When you see another
+animal that doesn’t please you, don’t stare at him
+as you did at me, but be as agreeable as you can.
+Remember that it would be a very monotonous
+world if all animals should look and act alike.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Miss Hare must be a very nice creature,” ventured
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“She is very wise and talented,” said the fox
+with enthusiasm. “Some of the most aristocratic
+families in Animal Kingdom are represented in
+her school. I have heard that she belongs to the
+nobility. You know she is a Belgian Hare, and I
+believe I heard some one say that her father was a
+Welsh Rabbit.”</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a terrible thumping sound was
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>“What is that!” exclaimed Tiny, unconsciously
+drawing nearer to Reynard for protection.</p>
+
+<p>“It is a warning for us to keep quiet,” said the
+fox. “Billy Beaver, the janitor, makes that noise
+with his tail whenever we become boisterous at
+night. You know that whenever a beaver wishes to
+warn his companions that danger is near, he makes
+a thumping sound with his tail. Really, the only
+clever thing about a beaver is his tail.”</p>
+
+<p>The fireflies settled down to rest, leaving the
+roommates in darkness. Although Reynard slept
+soundly, Tiny did not close his eyes until he was so
+exhausted that he could keep them open no longer.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny was glad when the rosy dawn peeped over
+the eastern hills once more. The little dark room
+in which he lay did not look so cheerless in the
+bright light of day.</p>
+
+<p>Again there came the sound of knocking that resembled
+the beating of a drum.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_85" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_085.jpg" width="600" height="577" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“THAT’S BILLY BEAVER,” EXPLAINED REYNARD
+REDFOX, YAWNING. “HE IS CALLING FOR US
+TO GET UP.”</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“That is Billy Beaver,” again explained Reynard
+Redfox, yawning. “He is calling for us to get
+up. We have just an hour in which to eat our
+breakfasts.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Who gets breakfast for us?” asked Tiny, feeling
+much out of place in the strange new land.</p>
+
+<p>“Each one gets his own breakfast, of course,”
+replied Reynard, much amused. “We all require
+different kinds of food; and Miss Hare does not
+care how or where we get it, if we keep from injuring
+one another.”</p>
+
+<p>“Katie Goose, who is very cleanly, takes a swim
+in the creek, and hunts for seeds along the bank;
+Sammy Rabbit, a relative of Miss Hare, hunts for
+grain; and Winkie Weasel chases insects and
+catches frogs. Since I have become civilized, I
+am particularly fond of grapes, although I am
+never so happy as when strawberry season comes
+round.</p>
+
+<p>“Shifty Woodchuck has less trouble in searching
+for his breakfast than any other pupil, for he
+goes to a field of red clover or wild buckwheat, and
+many a time he eats until he is not in good condition
+to study. Shifty is a sleepy little animal. He
+spends the winter in a nest of dried grasses that he
+builds in a hole in the ground. When the cold
+weather comes, he will get sleepy and will lay aside
+his studies to prepare for a long rest. Maybe he
+will sleep all winter, for no other animal sleeps so
+long or so soundly as the woodchuck.”</p>
+
+<p>It took Tiny but a few moments to smooth down
+his silken fur and to brush out his bushy tail. With
+a shrill cry of delight, he sprang from his new
+home and ran out into the bracing, frosty air. He
+sped over the willow brush that surrounded the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+village of quaint beaver houses, and soon found
+himself in an oak tree where there were plenty of
+ripe acorns, moist with dew.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had he finished his breakfast when again
+he heard the tail of the beaver pounding heavily.
+He hastened back to the cluster of beaver houses
+with their round domes. Little animals of all kinds
+were bustling about on their way to the various
+recitation rooms. Billy Beaver, the janitor, told
+Tiny that he should go into the auditorium, which
+was the largest building of all. There he found
+Miss Hare, sitting behind a rough, wooden table.
+She wore a gray robe and a pair of large earrings.
+Her spectacles were so heavy that her eyes seemed
+very large; but he at once decided that she must be
+a kind teacher, as her voice was soft and gentle.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_87" class="figcenter" style="width: 458px;">
+<img src="images/i_087.jpg" width="458" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">MISS HARE’S SCHOOL.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A number of animals sat on wooden benches facing
+Miss Hare. Reynard Redfox, who was the
+largest animal in school, sat in one corner by himself.
+His big, dark eyes were as mild as Tiny’s.
+His coarse, shaggy fur was neatly brushed.</p>
+
+<p>The room was decorated with flowers and carpeted
+with moss. An old-fashioned fireplace with
+bellows and tongs stood at one end of the room.
+Tiny, who had never before seen a fireplace, wondered
+where the fire came from. He afterwards
+learned that Billy Beaver made the fire by rubbing
+two sticks together, and that it was never permitted
+to go out.</p>
+
+<p>Toadstools, cat-tails, and elderberry bushes were
+arranged against the walls, looking quite as artistic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+as the bay-trees and other ornaments we see in
+fashionable hotels. Window curtains, woven of
+silk by spiders, and screens and cushions, woven of
+weeds, reeds, and grass by birds and mice, added to
+the comfort of the place. Snail shells and pretty
+stones, gathered by the pupils, also lent beauty to
+the room.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_90" class="figleft" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/i_090.jpg" width="300" height="349" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">NOT WISHING TO BE OUTDONE BY HIS
+CLASSMATES, HE WENT FORWARD AND,
+WITH A LOW BOW, GAVE MISS HARE
+AN ACORN.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny observed that
+each pupil presented
+the teacher with flowers
+and delicacies,
+which were laid on
+her desk. Not wishing
+to be outdone by his
+classmates, he went
+forward and, with a
+low bow, gave Miss
+Hare an acorn.</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you,” said
+Miss Hare with a
+pleased smile, as she
+bent forward and
+gazed admiringly at
+him through her dark spectacles. “I see that you
+have already learned the lesson of generosity. You
+are the little animal that Mr. Owl brought here last
+night, I suppose. I hope you will be very studious
+and learn a great deal. I will introduce you to
+two pupils in the language class. Mr. Redsquirrel,
+this pupil is Winkie Weasel; that pupil just coming
+in is Sammy Rabbit. Those pupils, who are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+sitting in the back row of seats, are well advanced
+in their work; those pupils in the front seats are
+beginners. I will introduce them later on.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny bowed to each of the pupils in the room,
+which included Shifty Woodchuck, who was very
+fat and sleepy-looking; Mr. Rabbitt, who had pink
+eyes and rosy ears; Mew Mew, who wore a blue
+bow; Bow Wow, with curly locks hanging over his
+eyes; Little Winkie Weasel, who possessed a long
+body and very short legs; Miss Field Mouse, who
+sat upon a toadstool; and several other pupils.</p>
+
+<p>“I usually teach in rhyme,” said Miss Hare,
+with an air of assurance that made Tiny think she
+was vastly learned. “I teach the multiplication
+table in rhyme, and in language I teach the use of
+verbs, nouns, and other parts of speech in the same
+way. There is no reason why one should not
+teach in rhyme, for it is natural and not easily
+forgotten.”</p>
+
+<p>She then told Tiny to sit by Winkie Weasel
+and, after opening her book, she looked over the
+class to be sure that each pupil was ready to give
+his attention.</p>
+
+<p>“The class may read aloud together our lesson
+for to-day,” she said, finally.</p>
+
+<p>All the animals rose and read as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="boxitalpha center">
+
+<p class="center">THE ANIMAL ALPHABET.</p>
+
+<p>A is <em>an</em> antelope, graceful and slim,<br />
+<em>A</em> beautiful antelope, dainty and trim.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>B is <em>a</em> bee, flitting round all the day,<br />
+<em>An</em> industrious bee that stores honey away.</p>
+
+<p>C is <em>a</em> chipmunk that lives in the ground,<br />
+<em>An</em> intelligent chipmunk with eyes black and round.</p>
+
+<p>D is <em>a</em> dog that but seldom offends,<br />
+<em>An</em> affectionate dog, ever true to his friends.</p>
+
+<p>E is <em>an</em> eagle, that seeks the tall pine,<br />
+<em>A</em> big golden eagle with feathers that shine.</p>
+
+<p>F is <em>a</em> fox that fills chickens with fright,<br />
+<em>An</em> impudent fox that steals forth in the night.</p>
+
+<p>G is <em>a</em> giraffe with a nose in the sky,<br />
+<em>An</em> upright giraffe that holds his head high.</p>
+
+<p>H is <em>a</em> horse that has just lost his shoe,<br />
+<em>An</em> untiring horse, and a useful one, too.</p>
+
+<p>I is <em>an</em> ibex, a wild mountain goat,<br />
+<em>A</em> wandering ibex that wears a fur coat.</p>
+
+<p>J is <em>a</em> jackal of varying mood,<br />
+<em>An</em> ambitious jackal, both nimble and shrewd.</p>
+
+<p>K is <em>a</em> kangaroo, clumsy and stout,<br />
+<em>An</em> active old kangaroo, leaping about.</p>
+
+<p>L is <em>a</em> lamb that has never done wrong,<br />
+<em>An</em> innocent lamb that bleats all the day long.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>M is <em>a</em> monkey that close to man ranks,<br />
+<em>An</em> over-fed monkey that likes to play pranks.</p>
+
+<p>N is <em>a</em> nightingale, cheerful and bright,<br />
+<em>An</em> interesting nightingale singing at night.</p>
+
+<p>O is <em>an</em> owl, independent and free,<br />
+<em>A</em> very wise owl that lives in a tree.</p>
+
+<p>P is <em>a</em> pigeon with wide, sweeping tail,<br />
+<em>An</em> excitable pigeon that carries our mail.</p>
+
+<p>Q is <em>a</em> quail, going forth for her food,<br />
+<em>An</em> excellent quail with her pretty young brood.</p>
+
+<p>R is <em>a</em> rabbit as white as sea foam,<br />
+<em>An</em> upright, kind rabbit, quite fond of his home.</p>
+
+<p>S is <em>a</em> swan, of which many are fond,<br />
+<em>An</em> elegant swan that glides round on the pond.</p>
+
+<p>T is <em>a</em> tiger that hunters entrap,<br />
+<em>An</em> indolent tiger, now taking a nap.</p>
+
+<p>U is <em>a</em> unicorn&mdash;how strange he looks&mdash;<br />
+<em>An</em> odd unicorn we find only in books.</p>
+
+<p>V is <em>a</em> vampire, as everyone knows,<br />
+<em>An</em> awkward old creature that hangs by its toes.</p>
+
+<p>W is <em>a</em> weasel, quite fond of fresh meat,<br />
+<em>An</em> odd-looking weasel, but very discreet.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>X is <em>a</em> xyphoidal whale, I am told,<br />
+<em>An</em> angry xyphoidal whale, so big and so bold.</p>
+
+<p>Y is <em>a</em> yak, very much like an ox,<br />
+<em>An</em> elderly yak with long, bushy, gray locks.</p>
+
+<p>Z is <em>a</em> zebra, black, yellow, and tan,<br />
+<em>An</em> obstinate zebra, of slight use to man.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div id="Ref_94" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_094.jpg" width="600" height="201" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">POETRY</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Miss Hare’s school was a very studious place
+during the fall; but when winter set in, some of the
+pupils began to lose interest in their work. The
+woodchuck, who was the dullest pupil in the language
+class, went to his bed
+of dried clover one night
+and forgot to wake up until
+spring had returned.
+Tiny, himself, felt very
+sleepy at times, but he sat
+close to the fireplace in the
+schoolroom and studied as
+hard as he could, determined
+to get a good education.
+He did his work
+well. At recess-time he
+would run out upon the
+pile of branches that surrounded
+the school building,
+and play until Miss Hare rang the bell. Sometimes
+he would run a race with Winkie Weasel, but,
+as he always came out ahead, he soon wearied of
+the pastime.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_95" class="figleft" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/i_095.jpg" width="250" height="336" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SOMETIMES HE WOULD RUN A RACE
+WITH WINKIE WEASEL.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>At dusk he would go to his cozy room, and for an
+hour or more he and Reynard would talk over their
+lessons and their plans for the future. There were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+no pretty fireflies to make light for them, but, when
+the moon was shining, they could see quite well.
+They grew contented to lie in their soft beds of
+leaves and reeds, and talk about the coming of
+spring.</p>
+
+<p>One cold night they heard a knock. Reynard,
+who was feeling homesick, opened the door. There
+stood Puss Snowball, the cat, looking very beautiful
+against the pure white background of ice and
+snow, upon which the moon shone brightly.</p>
+
+<p>“Good evening, Snowball,” said Reynard, kindly.
+“Will you not come in?”</p>
+
+<p>“I thought I would run over and have a little
+chat with you,” said Snowball, nestling down in
+the coziest corner of the room. “My, isn’t it cold!
+I believe I have frozen my whiskers and the tip of
+my nose.”</p>
+
+<p>“Cold weather doesn’t last always,” said Tiny,
+cheerily. “Reynard and I do our work quite as
+well in cold weather as in warm weather. If it
+were not for the ice and snow, we would not take
+so much delight in the green grass and the spring
+rains.”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose not,” said Snowball, his teeth chattering,
+“but I shouldn’t mind the cold weather if
+I had a more agreeable companion. I can’t understand
+why Miss Hare insists upon my rooming
+with Rover. You know cats and dogs never get
+along well.”</p>
+
+<p>“If you were too happy together, perhaps you
+would forget to study,” suggested Reynard. “You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+remember, Snowball, how the monkey and the parrot
+became so sociable that they had to leave
+School.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Rover is very mannerly in some ways, but
+he growls and barks too much,” complained Snowball,
+with a sigh. “They say it is natural for a dog
+to bark, although I can’t see why he need be so
+noisy about it. He frightens me almost to death
+when he barks, and he is very unreasonable. To-night
+he has done many things to tease me. The
+other night he told me that my constant purring
+was very trying to his nerves. You know that a cat
+never purs unless he is happy, so I suppose that my
+good nature makes him cross. How peculiar some
+animals are!”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny said that every creature has its peculiarities,
+and it is best to overlook things that do not
+please us, since we all have disagreeable traits of
+our own.</p>
+
+<p>“We wanted to organize a singing class,” continued
+Snowball, changing the subject, “but when
+we called in Katie Goose to talk it over with us,
+Billy Beaver thrust his nose through the door and
+said that Miss Hare would never permit us to sing
+after night. He added that a cat, a dog, a goose,
+and a number of other creatures, would not make
+a very tuneful chorus, however fine we might be as
+soloists.”</p>
+
+<p>“Billy Beaver can’t sing,” said Reynard. “I
+can see his reason for objecting to a students’
+chorus.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“He is very rude,” said Snowball, severely. “I
+shall not forget how horrid he made me feel the
+night that Weenie Mouse was missing. I am sure
+that he thought I might have eaten him. I was very
+glad, indeed, when they found Weenie hiding in
+Miss Hare’s room, nibbling at an ear of corn.”</p>
+
+<p>“Recite the poem about the kitten that went to
+sleep when her mother had visitors,” begged Tiny.
+“I am sure that Reynard would like to hear it.”</p>
+
+<p>Without waiting for Reynard to insist, Snowball
+recited, in his pretty purring manner, the following
+poem, which is said to amuse kittens even to
+the present day:</p>
+
+
+<p class="center p1 poemheader">TABBY AND PRUE.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">Quoth Dame Tabby Cat to her daughter, Miss Prue,
+</div><div class="indent1">“I shall teach you a lesson, my dear,
+</div><div class="indent0">For I am so very much older than you,
+</div><div class="indent1">And very much wiser, I fear.
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">“I felt more ashamed than I ever can tell,
+</div><div class="indent1">When you slept while my callers were here.
+</div><div class="indent0">If you do it again, I will punish you well;
+</div><div class="indent1">I will teach you some manners, my dear.”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">“Shall I sit wide awake while your busy tongues fly?
+</div><div class="indent1">Can I keep my eyes open so long?”
+</div><div class="indent0">“You can, Prudy dear, if you only will try,
+</div><div class="indent1">But you think it is smart to do wrong.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">The anger of Tabby Cat grew quite intense,
+</div><div class="indent1">When Prue said, “Please listen, I pray.
+</div><div class="indent0">May I speak a few words in my own self-defense?”
+</div><div class="indent1">And Tabby Cat answered, “You may.”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">“I ought not to sleep till your friends go away.
+</div><div class="indent1">Such an act is a sorry mishap;
+</div><div class="indent0">Yet you taught me to do it, for only to-day
+</div><div class="indent1">You talked yourself into a nap.”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">“My friends stayed so long that I hardly could peep,”
+</div><div class="indent1">Said Tabby Cat, heaving a sigh;
+</div><div class="indent0">“But, nevertheless, <em>you</em> must not fall fast asleep,
+</div><div class="indent1">For you are much younger than I.”
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>“It is a capital story,” laughed Reynard, when
+Snowball had finished. “I saw Tiny laughing
+many times.”</p>
+
+<p>Before the squirrel could thank the cat for his
+kindness, Billy Beaver pounded at the door, and in
+another moment stood before them.</p>
+
+<p>“I overheard you talking about me, Mr. Snowball;
+also about Rover and others,” he said, turning
+to the cat, who, in the moonlight, looked very
+pale and frightened.</p>
+
+<p>“Did I understand you to say that you were
+eavesdropping?” Snowball finally inquired, with a
+show of dignity.</p>
+
+<p>“It is no worse to eavesdrop than it is to gossip
+about one’s closest friends,” replied the beaver.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+“I have seen Miss Hare. I told her that you were
+not pleased with your roommate, and she has ordered
+me to make a change. In the future you shall
+room with Weenie Mouse.”</p>
+
+<p>“How terrible!” exclaimed Puss, greatly
+shocked. “I shall be under restraint all the time.
+Poor Rover! Perhaps he has had his hard times,
+too. What if I should get vexed at Weenie and
+swallow him?”</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Hare says that you will never do that, because
+her pupils are too strong to yield to temptation,”
+said the beaver, seriously.</p>
+
+<p>“But why does Miss Hare punish poor Weenie
+by making him room with a cat?” gasped Puss.</p>
+
+<p>“Because Weenie was found in Miss Hare’s pantry
+again, helping himself to corn and other dainties,”
+replied Billy Beaver. “Miss Hare wishes
+you to room with Weenie so that you can restrain
+each other. The best way to cure two disturbers who
+dislike each other is to make them live together.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_100" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_100.jpg" width="600" height="333" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">PANTRY</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The little animals of Miss Hare’s school were
+glad when winter was at an end. They were anxious
+to get out of doors; and, when the sun shone
+warmer and the trees began to shoot forth their
+tender leaves, they felt very happy, indeed.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_101" class="figleft" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/i_101.jpg" width="300" height="322" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">TINY STUDIED HARD, THAT HE
+MIGHT BE ABLE TO GRADUATE
+WITH HIS CLASS IN THE MONTH
+OF JUNE.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny studied hard, that
+he might be able to graduate
+with his class in the
+month of June. He knew
+that to graduate did not
+mean to be educated. A
+thorough knowledge of
+language and good manners
+were about all that
+Miss Hare was capable of
+teaching, for the little
+creatures of Animal Kingdom
+did not require as
+much learning as people of the great business
+world. Miss Hare told her pupils many times that
+the schoolroom is simply a place to teach the young
+how to educate themselves. Tiny, from past experience,
+had learned that some of the greatest lessons
+are taught outside the schoolroom. He often
+thought of the owl prophet, the queen bee, and the
+City of Ants.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One day Miss Hare gave her pupils a lesson in
+pronouns, or words used for names. These little
+words were at first troublesome to Tiny, but Miss
+Hare made him use them over and over again, until
+he understood them perfectly. In fact, the
+words <em>I</em>, <em>we</em>, <em>she</em>, <em>they</em>, <em>who</em>, and <em>it</em>, used as subjects
+of sentences, and <em>me</em>, <em>us</em>, <em>him</em>, <em>her</em>, <em>them</em>, and
+<em>whom</em>, used as the objects of verbs, became almost
+as familiar to Tiny as were good Miss Hare’s spectacles.</p>
+
+<p>In order to keep her pupils from forgetting what
+they had learned, Miss Hare taught them the following
+little song, which they sang over and over
+again:</p>
+
+
+<p class="center p1 poemheader">PRONOUNS.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">As the subject of a verb, we may use <em>I</em>;
+</div><div class="indent0">Thus, “It was <em>I</em>,” or “<em>I</em> have caught a fly;”
+</div><div class="indent3">And we now will name a few
+</div><div class="indent3">Pronouns used as subjects, too:
+</div><div class="indent0">“It was <em>they</em>,” “It was <em>you</em>,” “It was <em>who</em>?”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">We may ask, “<em>Who</em> saw the bee upon the rose?”
+</div><div class="indent0">Or, “<em>It</em> was dressed in very modest clothes,”
+</div><div class="indent3">Or, “<em>Who</em> scared the little bee?”
+</div><div class="indent3">“Was it any of us three?”
+</div><div class="indent0">“Was it <em>we</em>?” “Was it <em>she</em>?” “Was it <em>he</em>?”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">Pronouns may be used as objects, you may see;
+</div><div class="indent0">As, “Good health has kindly favored <em>him</em> and <em>me</em>.”
+</div><div class="indent3">Or, “No matter what we do,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+</div><div class="indent3">Love will make <em>us</em> strong and true;”
+</div><div class="indent0">“I love <em>her</em>,” “I love <em>him</em>,” “I love <em>you</em>.”
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="indent0">We may ask, “From <em>whom</em> did owls learn to boast?”
+</div><div class="indent0">Or, “Around <em>whom</em> does the sunshine linger most?”
+</div><div class="indent3">Or, perchance, may cry in glee,
+</div><div class="indent3">“May good fortune come to <em>thee</em>,
+</div><div class="indent0">And to <em>her</em>, and to <em>him</em>, and to <em>me</em>!”
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>While they were singing their evening song, a
+knock was heard at the door. Miss Hare, who was
+very cautious, went to the door and called out:</p>
+
+<p>“Who is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Hoot, hoot, hoot!” was the response.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“To whom am I speaking?” continued the
+teacher, somewhat embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>“To Mr. Owl, who lives several leagues away,”
+was the polite reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Whom do you wish to see?” asked Miss Hare.</p>
+
+<p>“I wish to visit Miss Hare’s school.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_103" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_103.jpg" width="600" height="510" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND ADMITTED THE OWL PROPHET.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>She opened the door and admitted the owl
+prophet, whose feathers were smoothed down in
+perfect condition.</p>
+
+<p>“I am very glad to see you,” said the teacher.
+“It is so seldom you go abroad in the daytime that
+I am honored to have you visit us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Between you and me, I have long been wishing
+for an opportunity to visit your school,” returned
+the owl with a bow.</p>
+
+<p>“With whom are you living now?” asked Miss
+Hare, offering him a perch by the side of her desk.</p>
+
+<p>“My brother and I are living with the Bat family.
+I grew tired of my old castle, because it was at
+the edge of the great forest, and the wind was too
+strong there. One night he and I were blown from
+our perches. Mr. and Mrs. Bat took my brother
+and me to their home. It is very comfortable there,
+and we owls like comfort, you know.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Owl then looked over the class with his great,
+yellow eyes. For the first time, Tiny observed that
+owls’ eyes do not move in their sockets as the eyes
+of most creatures do; but that, to make up for that,
+nature has made it possible for the owl to turn his
+head almost entirely around to see objects. Miss
+Hare’s eyes were quite different from those of Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+Owl; for she had no eyelids, and Tiny had learned
+that, when she slept, a thin white membrane covered
+her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Will you remain awhile with my pupils and
+me?” asked Miss Hare.</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you; I’ll stay a few minutes, if I don’t
+get too sleepy,” said Mr. Owl.</p>
+
+<p>When his eyes fell upon Tiny, the little squirrel
+made a polite bow; but the owl prophet stared at
+him without speaking a word. He evidently did
+not remember the squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“What has become of Chatty Chipmunk?” he
+finally asked, after Miss Hare had again sat down
+at her desk.</p>
+
+<p>“He left school some time ago,” said Miss Hare,
+in a pained voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Why?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because it was necessary to punish him. He
+was very saucy. Once he ridiculed an animal because
+she had long ears.”</p>
+
+<p>“Whom did he ridicule?”</p>
+
+<p>“Me.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry for that,” said the owl prophet.
+“Who punished him?”</p>
+
+<p>“I.”</p>
+
+<p>“It served him right, and I am glad he left
+school,” said the owl, flapping his wings in approval.
+“It makes no difference to either you or
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly, not,” replied Miss Hare. “He is to
+blame, not I. The public must blame him, not me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I hope that I never shall bring you another
+such unworthy pupil,” said the owl.</p>
+
+<p>“You brought me one of the best pupils I ever
+had,” said Miss Hare, pointing towards Tiny. “He
+is the little creature here on the front seat.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Owl stared at Tiny; and the little animal
+bowed politely, very much embarrassed.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_106" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_106.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">MR. OWL STARED AT TINY AND THE LITTLE ANIMAL BOWED
+POLITELY.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Can it be he!” exclaimed the owl. “How you
+have grown, Tiny! Are you really the squirrel
+whom I found but a few months ago?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am the squirrel who was lost,” replied
+Tiny. “You told me how to get back to Squirreltown,
+and taught me many things. I am grateful
+to you, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Owl seemed greatly pleased, but he checked
+Tiny’s polite thanks by saying:</p>
+
+<p>“You look much like Chatty Chipmunk.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, but he is smaller than I,” replied Tiny
+with another bow.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For a few minutes Miss Hare and Mr. Owl talked
+concerning the school. It was evident to Tiny that
+Mr. Owl was one of the trustees and that he was
+doing a great deal to make the school successful,
+as all trustees should do.</p>
+
+<p>At last he turned to the class and said:</p>
+
+<p>“You must all study very hard; for soon the
+days will get warmer; then you will have spring
+fever. I want each of the graduating class to write
+a composition to be recited on the last day of school.
+A prize will be given to the pupil who writes the
+best one. He that wins the prize will be a very
+happy creature. Him that wins I will give another
+prize of even greater value.”</p>
+
+<p>The scholars were made very happy by this announcement
+of Mr. Owl; and, while he was preparing
+to leave, they all rose from their seats and stood
+in respectful silence until Miss Hare sat down
+again. Then they began to study harder than ever
+before.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>When Tiny learned to write letters, he spent
+many happy hours corresponding with his mother
+and his friends at Squirreltown. Almost every
+day a messenger pigeon
+brought him a letter,
+which he read with great
+pleasure. Here are a few
+of these letters that passed
+between Beaver Creek and
+Squirreltown:</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_108" class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/i_108.jpg" width="300" height="471" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">ALMOST EVERY DAY A MESSENGER
+PIGEON BROUGHT HIM A LETTER.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>
+Beaver Creek, Joy Co.,<br />
+<span class="il2">Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+<span class="il4">May 1, &mdash;&mdash;.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>My Dear Mother:</p>
+
+<p>While you were sleeping
+away the long, cold
+winter, I was studying
+with all my might, trying
+to keep at the head of my
+class.</p>
+
+<p>I like Beaver Creek very much. Miss Hare is
+a good and capable teacher. I shall be sorry to
+graduate from here in June, and yet I am anxious
+to get back to Squirreltown again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The spring flowers are blooming all about Beaver
+Creek. I wish you could see how beautiful they
+are. The daisy, which is like a white star, opens
+with the morning sun. The morning glory shuts
+up its sweet petals before noon. The dandelion
+opens early, but closes when the heat becomes too
+great. The anemone, so blue and so fragile, sleeps
+at the approach of a storm; while the water lily
+curls up and hides itself in the mud at the bottom
+of the pond. The marsh marigold is a hardy little
+flower. It drinks, drinks, drinks, from morning
+till night, pleased with any kind of weather.</p>
+
+<p>I will tell you more about the beauties of Beaver
+Creek, one of these days. In the meantime, please
+write and tell me about dear old Squirreltown.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Your affectionate son,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Tiny</span>.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+Mrs. Jane Redsquirrel,<br />
+<span class="il1">124 Oak Avenue,</span><br />
+<span class="il2">Squirreltown,</span><br />
+<span class="il3">Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir3">124 Oak Avenue,</span><br />
+<span class="ir2">Squirreltown,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1">Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 8, &mdash;&mdash;.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>My Dear Son:</p>
+
+<p>I was very glad to hear from you and to learn
+that you are well and happy.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Flyingsquirrel, the mayor, and many of your
+friends inquire about you each day. Peggy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+Bushy Graysquirrel, who have grown quite large
+since you saw them, are planning to give a party
+for you when you return.</p>
+
+<p>You will be glad to learn that Chatty Chipmunk
+returned home just before winter set in. He had
+been wandering for a long, long time. Once he
+thrust his inquisitive nose into a nest of yellow-jackets,
+and it took him a long time to recover.</p>
+
+<p>I feel so sorry for the Chipmunks. They are all,
+with the exception of Chatty, such active, industrious
+creatures. I fear he will never outlive the bad
+habits formed in his early youth. He does little
+but sleep in his round room at the end of the long
+hall, and eat large quantities of beechnuts.</p>
+
+<p>Now, my son, learn all you can. Do not eat too
+many acorns, and be sure to keep your fur clean
+and smooth.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Your devoted mother,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Jane Redsquirrel</span>.</span><br /></p>
+
+<p>
+Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,<br />
+<span class="il1">Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir2">Beech Hotel,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1">Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 14, &mdash;&mdash;.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Dear Friend:</p>
+
+<p>I received your jolly letter, and I am going to
+show my appreciation by sending an early reply.</p>
+
+<p>Sister Peggy and I are spending a few days with
+our friend, Polly Blacksquirrel. We are all well,
+after our long winter’s nap, and are enjoying ourselves
+greatly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The other day, Polly took Peggy and me down to
+the pond to hear a famous orchestra. We sat upon
+a mossy seat close to the blue water, and patiently
+waited until all the musicians had come out of the
+water and had taken their seats on the green lily
+pads. The leader of the band was very pompous,
+and his white vest was covered with medals. I had
+to laugh at the airs he put on.</p>
+
+<p>The musicians, of course, were frogs, and they all
+wore green coats and white vests. They looked so
+odd with their bulging eyes and swelling throats!
+One large bull frog played a bass viol. He was a
+savage fellow, and, frequently, he would go down
+into the water to eat poor little tadpoles.</p>
+
+<p>Now you know that gray squirrels are more fond
+of music than are any other kind of squirrel; but,
+so far as I am concerned, I do not like to be too
+close to a frog orchestra.</p>
+
+<p>Is it not queer that frogs and fishes, both of
+which live in the water, are so unlike? Polly’s
+father said that if a frog keeps his mouth open very
+long, he will die; while a fish has to keep his mouth
+open most of the time to permit his breathing organs
+to act properly.</p>
+
+<p>Peggy and Polly join me in sending you our
+kindest regards.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Your true friend,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Bushy Graysquirrel</span>.</span><br />
+</p><p>
+Tiny Redsquirrel, Esq.,<br />
+<span class="il1">Beaver Creek,</span><br />
+<span class="il2">Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir1">Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 18, &mdash;&mdash;.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>My Dear Dr. Flyingsquirrel:</p>
+
+<p>Mother told me that you would appreciate a letter
+from me; so, on this beautiful morning, I have
+decided to write to you.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday, Miss Hare and we pupils were out
+in the thicket and on the great moor east of Beaver
+Creek. We were studying nature, by which to test
+the books that we read.</p>
+
+<p>My companion was Winkie Weasel. He has a
+long, lean body, and a short, black tail. He is very
+good-natured most of the time, but, occasionally, he
+gets very angry over small things. Then his nose
+seems to grow pointed, and his eyes turn green. He
+wears a yellow coat now. Later he will change it
+for a dark brown one, while in winter he wears
+white. Although Winkie takes things that do not
+belong to him and tries to act innocent, I like him
+because he is so bright and shrewd.</p>
+
+<p>Such a glorious day as it was! The birds were
+chattering all about us, building nests in which to
+rear their broods. Miss Hare said I was fortunate
+to be able to climb so well, for it gave me such good
+opportunities to inspect birds and their nests.</p>
+
+<p>Once we were startled by a loud thump! thump!
+thump! Then we heard a chorus of piping voices,
+and saw a covey of partridges running through the
+tall grass. They are peculiar little creatures, and
+they never try to run until some one almost steps
+upon them. They were out hunting for seeds, buds,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+and insects. Miss Hare told us that the partridge
+wears bristles that serve as snowshoes in winter, so
+it can walk on the soft snow without sinking.</p>
+
+<p>We saw pigeons fluttering about in the blue sky,
+while swallows, with graceful, slender wings, flitted
+by, busily building their nests.</p>
+
+<p>The sweet scent of spring had brought the cuckoos
+to the north. I could see one of them flying
+in a very straight line, his long tail steadying his
+flight. I have always loved the voice of the cuckoo;
+but I do not admire the bird, since Miss Hare has
+told me how very unprincipled she is.</p>
+
+<p>I should like to tell you about some of the other
+birds I saw, but I fear you would think my letter
+too long. Busy people like you do not like to waste
+so much time reading letters.</p>
+
+<p>Wishing you health and success, I am,</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Yours very respectfully,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Tiny Redsquirrel</span>.</span><br />
+</p><p>
+Dr. Airy Flyingsquirrel,<br />
+<span class="il1">64 Hickory Ave.,</span><br />
+<span class="il2">Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir2">64 Hickory Ave.,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1">Squirreltown, Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 25, &mdash;&mdash;.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Dear Tiny:</p>
+
+<p>Your letter filled my heart with delight. We old
+squirrels appreciate letters from our young friends,
+and we are glad to be remembered in our declining
+years. The young who remember the old will be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+rewarded when they themselves are no longer
+young.</p>
+
+<p>I, too, fly about a great deal, studying the various
+birds and their eggs. You wrote about the
+cuckoo, and I agree with you that she is a very unprincipled
+creature.</p>
+
+<p>She lays her eggs on the hard ground, because
+she and her mate are too indolent to build a nest.
+She places her eggs in various nests for other birds
+to hatch. Usually she prefers robins’ nests, for
+they are very comfortable. You can imagine how
+surprised the robin or any other bird would be,
+when its brood hatches, to find among the number a
+large, healthy cuckoo with a wide mouth and an
+enormous appetite. But the kind foster parents
+feed the young cuckoo just as they do their own
+children.</p>
+
+<p>And what does the cuckoo orphan do to repay
+such kindness? He eats and sleeps and grows larger
+all the time; and, finally, one day when the old birds
+are away, he tumbles his foster brothers and sisters
+out of the nest, and stretches himself out comfortably,
+waiting for his dinner. The selfish, cruel bird
+never thinks of anyone but himself. When his
+foster parents return, they are grieved not to find
+their little ones, but they do not scold the cuckoo
+at all. They keep on feeding him until he is full-fledged.
+Then, on some bright day, he takes wings
+and flies away, leaving his foster parents to grieve
+after him.</p>
+
+<p>Jenny Wren is a neat, modest little body. Do you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+know her? She wears a plain brown gown, for she
+has so much to do she cannot dress very stylishly.
+Her wings are hard and stiff, so she can beat the
+air when she flies; but the feathers close to her tiny
+body are soft and warm.</p>
+
+<p>She likes to build her nest beneath the gnarled
+roots of a tree or against a stone in a bed of moss.
+It is covered with a little dome and has a tiny door,
+which opens on the sunny side. I once peeped into
+Jenny’s home and found it neat and cozy. An orderly
+housekeeper she is, I can tell you! Her bed is
+made of fine feathers, hair, and delicate grasses.
+The roof of her home is made of moss, twigs, and
+lichens.</p>
+
+<p>We are all very well, and we hope that you will
+call to see us soon after your return home.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Cordially yours,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Airy Flyingsquirrel</span>.</span><br />
+</p><p>
+Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel,<br />
+<span class="il1">Beaver Creek,</span><br />
+<span class="il2">Joy Co., Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Reynard caught a cold just two weeks before
+Miss Hare’s school closed for the summer. He was
+very ill, indeed; but Tiny, Snowball, and his other
+friends did all they
+could to make him
+comfortable.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_116" class="figleft" style="width: 350px;">
+<img src="images/i_116.jpg" width="350" height="322" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">MISS HARE SPENT ONE EVENING WITH REYNARD.
+PUSS SNOWBALL, WINKIE WEASEL
+AND TINY WERE PRESENT.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Miss Hare spent
+one evening with
+Reynard. Puss
+Snowball, Winkie
+Weasel, and Tiny
+were present. They
+had a pleasant time,
+in Reynard’s humble
+room, which the
+stars made almost
+bright as day.</p>
+
+<p>“Shall I get you some corn?” Miss Hare finally
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t want no corn,” groaned Reynard, whose
+head ached severely.</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, I will bring you some,” said Miss
+Hare, rising to leave the room.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t want no corn!” repeated Reynard, so
+surprised that his head almost stopped aching.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That means that you <em>do</em> want some corn,”
+laughed Miss Hare. “I suppose you meant to say
+that you <em>don’t</em> want <em>any</em> corn, or that you want <em>no</em>
+corn. Be careful what you say, Reynard, and
+never use two denying words where the meaning
+needs but one. The other day I heard you say, ‘I
+haven’t seen <em>nothing</em>,’ which meant that you must
+have seen <em>something</em>. You also said, ‘He is <em>not</em>
+doing <em>nothing</em>,’ which meant that he was doing
+<em>something</em>.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you, Miss Hare,” said Reynard, with
+chagrin. “I know that I am sometimes very careless
+in the use of English. But now my head feels
+so much better that perhaps, after all, <em>I don’t</em> need
+<em>no</em> corn.”</p>
+
+<p>Miss Hare laughed again, with more pleasure
+this time, and gave him a few kernels of corn which
+she had brought with her.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we must do something to amuse Reynard,”
+said Miss Hare, pleasantly. “What shall we do?”</p>
+
+<p>“I should like to hear Snowball sing a song,”
+said Reynard. “He sings good.”</p>
+
+<p>“He does not sing <em>good</em>, but he sings <em>well</em>,” corrected
+Miss Hare, in a low voice to Reynard. “Will
+you sing, Snowball?”</p>
+
+<p>“I can’t sing to-night,” said Snowball. “I, too,
+have a bad cold.”</p>
+
+<p>“You have a <em>severe</em> cold,” said Miss Hare. “It
+is as wrong to say that you have a <em>bad</em> cold as it is
+to say that you received a <em>good</em> whipping.”</p>
+
+<p>Snowball was one of those individuals who do not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+like to be corrected, so for a few moments he
+shrugged his shoulders and pouted.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Hare turned towards Tiny and said in a
+cheerful voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps Tiny will tell us about Squirreltown.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good! good!” shouted enthusiastic Winkie
+Weasel, leaping awkwardly into the air to show his
+delight. “Tell us about the time you wandered
+through the great forest and did not know where
+you were at.”</p>
+
+<p>“Fy, fy, Winkie!” cried his teacher, shaking
+with laughter. “How you abuse such useful little
+words as <em>at</em>, <em>to</em>, and <em>for</em>. You make them work
+when they should be resting. You say that Tiny
+did not know where he was <em>at</em>, nor where he was
+going <em>to</em>, when you should say that Tiny did not
+know where he was, nor where he was going. One
+should not place <em>at</em>, <em>to</em>, <em>for</em>, or some other <em>unnecessary</em>
+little word at the end of a sentence.”</p>
+
+<p>Snowball was very glad to hear the teacher correct
+Winkie, and soon he regained his usual good
+humor.</p>
+
+<p>“Winkie and I are both alike in our use of bad
+English,” he chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>“You are especially apt to use unnecessary
+words, Snowball,” said Miss Hare. “Why should
+you say ‘Winkie and I are <em>both</em> alike,’ when it takes
+less time to say, ‘Winkie and I are alike’?”</p>
+
+<p>Snowball stared stupidly for a while, but did not
+seem vexed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I thought to myself that Snowball was making
+an incorrect statement,” tittered Winkie.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course, you thought to yourself,” said the
+teacher with a twinkle in her eye. “You certainly
+could not think aloud.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, but he knows how to laugh aloud,” said
+Snowball, somewhat scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Tiny, you may tell us something about
+Squirreltown,” said Miss Hare.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny did not feel so brave about talking as he
+did on the day he tried to address the mayor and
+citizens of his native town, for he knew that his
+present audience was a very critical one. However,
+he began:</p>
+
+<p>“A wide path leads into Squirreltown. At the
+place where it enters the city it is very wide indeed.
+An oak tree stands on both sides of this
+path&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“How strange!” interrupted Miss Hare. “Isn’t
+it rather unusual for a tree to stand on both sides
+of a path?”</p>
+
+<p>“There are two trees,” stammered Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I see,” said Miss Hare, a flash of understanding
+shining in her eyes. “You mean to say
+that on <em>each</em> side of the path there is an oak tree.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, ma’am,” replied Tiny, with a nod. “The
+trees in the city do not contain many acorns, but
+these two trees are filled full of them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course, if they are <em>filled</em> with acorns, they
+must be <em>full</em> of them,” laughed Miss Hare. “It
+sounds as badly to say <em>filled full</em> as it does to say<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+<em>little small</em>. Just how are the trees filled with
+acorns, Tiny? Are the trunks hollow?”</p>
+
+<p>“The branches of the two trees,” bravely continued
+Tiny, “bear so many acorns that they could
+yield all the squirrels in the land an acorn.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then the branches can not bear very many
+acorns,” said Miss Hare. “One acorn could not
+very well be divided among such a host of squirrels.”</p>
+
+<p>“I mean that these two trees could yield <em>each</em>
+squirrel in the land an acorn,” said Tiny, with
+energy.</p>
+
+<p>“That is right,” said Miss Hare, much pleased.
+“Tiny is one who thinks, and I believe that in time
+he will learn to speak correctly.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have lived in Squirreltown nearly all my life,
+and&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“How many squirrels live there?” interrupted
+the teacher.</p>
+
+<p>“Several hundred,” replied Tiny, proudly.</p>
+
+<p>“Then it is not such a great city, after all. It
+would be better to say that you lived <em>at</em> Squirreltown.
+When it becomes a great city, you can say
+that you lived <em>in</em> Squirreltown.”</p>
+
+<p>“I lived on Oak Avenue&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“It is better to say that you lived <em>in</em> Oak
+Avenue,” suggested Miss Hare.</p>
+
+<p>“One day a bear met my mother with crooked
+teeth, and&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“Who had crooked teeth, the bear or your
+mother?” tittered Snowball.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“The bear, to be sure,” retorted Tiny, growing
+quite indignant.</p>
+
+<p>“You should place your helping phrases where
+they will give the right meaning,” said Miss Hare.
+“There are many animals ready to make sport of
+us if we are not careful to say just what we mean.”</p>
+
+<p>“Really, I am so puzzled that I have forgotten
+what I intended to say,” said Tiny, sitting down.
+“I cannot say properly where I am, or where I live,
+or anything else. All I know is that I am very
+dull.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are not dull,” declared Miss Hare. “When
+an animal finds out that he has much to learn, it is
+a good indication that he really knows something.
+Only the ignorant are satisfied with their own imperfect
+way of speaking. Now I will sing for you
+a little lullaby that an otter formerly sang to her
+little one every night:”</p>
+
+<p class="center p1 poemheader">SONG OF REST.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“<em>Set</em> down your basket, busy little one;
+</div><div class="indent1">Please <em>set</em> it where it <em>sat</em> yesterday,
+</div><div class="indent0">And let it <em>sit</em> there while I sing the song
+</div><div class="indent1">You love to hear when daylight turns to gray.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“Now you <em>have set</em> the basket in its place;
+</div><div class="indent1">It <em>sits</em> just where you <em>set</em> it oft before.
+</div><div class="indent0"><em>Sit</em> down beside me; do not speak a word,
+</div><div class="indent1">And I will hush my babe to sleep once more.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“Now we <em>are sitting</em> in the fading light,
+</div><div class="indent1">As we <em>have sat</em> before so many times.
+</div><div class="indent0">While mother held you closely to her breast,
+</div><div class="indent1">And evening bells rang out their golden chimes.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“<em>Lay</em> down your toys, my busy little one.
+</div><div class="indent1">When you <em>have laid</em> them down I’ll sing to you;
+</div><div class="indent0">We’ll let them <em>lie</em> until the rosy morn
+</div><div class="indent1">Again peeps o’er the valley bathed in dew.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“<em>Lie</em> down; <em>lie</em> closely as you <em>lay</em> last night.
+</div><div class="indent1">See, mother <em>lies</em> beside her little one,
+</div><div class="indent0">Just as she <em>lay</em> last night to guard your rest
+</div><div class="indent1">Until the east was lighted by the sun.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">“Now <em>lie</em> until your active little frame
+</div><div class="indent1">Is tired of <em>lying</em> in the same old way;
+</div><div class="indent0">When we <em>have lain</em> till sleep has sped again
+</div><div class="indent1">We’ll rise to greet another joyous day.”
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>Hardly had Miss Hare finished singing the
+lullaby, when Billy Beaver began thumping with
+his tail to let all the students of Beaver Creek know
+that it was time to retire.</p>
+
+<p>“Goodnight, Reynard. I hope you will sleep
+well,” said the teacher kindly. “Goodnight, Tiny
+and Snowball and Winkie. I hope that my criticisms
+will benefit you. Remember that I meant
+them all in kindness. Is there anything I can do
+for you, Reynard?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Yes, please,” said the fox, hoarsely. “Tell
+Billy to bring me a cold pan of water.”</p>
+
+<p>“Poor fox! Poor fox! I will tell him to bring
+you a pan of <em>cold water</em>,” said Miss Hare, with a
+hearty laugh that set her long ears to bobbing. “It
+makes little difference whether or not the <em>pan</em> is
+cold.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On Saturday afternoon Tiny and Winkie Weasel
+went out for a frolic in the forest beyond the river.
+Reynard Redfox had almost recovered from his
+severe cold, but he stayed at home, thinking of the
+golden summer so near at hand with its red strawberries
+and wild grapes.</p>
+
+<p>Winkie came from a family of very bloodthirsty
+and suspicious character, but Miss Hare’s teachings
+had made him as gentle as Weenie Mouse.
+Although Tiny had been taught to shun weasels, he
+had become quite fond of Winkie, because he was
+bright and active.</p>
+
+<p>Side by side they made their way through the
+deep forest. The birds sang merrily and the sun
+shone brightly. Lady’s-slippers with lemon-colored
+pouches and long slender leaves grew in the
+damp, low grounds. Occasionally a rose-colored
+one nodded its fairy head at them.</p>
+
+<p>“Summer will come soon,” said Tiny, his voice
+ringing with happiness.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” replied Winkie, as he stopped to sniff at
+a fallen log. “How glad I am that cold weather
+has passed away!”</p>
+
+<p>A turn in the path brought them to a clump of
+hazel bushes, where a queer spectacle met their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+gaze. An animal covered with mud and moss was
+trailing along towards the creek. A striped gopher,
+a queer little animal with bloated cheeks and no
+neck at all, was annoying the poor creature by
+jumping upon its back.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_125" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_125.jpg" width="600" height="517" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">A QUEER LITTLE ANIMAL WITH BLOATED CHEEKS AND
+NO NECK AT ALL WAS TORMENTING THE POOR
+CREATURE BY JUMPING UPON ITS BACK.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“It is a turtle,” said Tiny, who had seen creatures
+of its kind before. “It has just awakened
+from its winter slumber. You know that a turtle
+settles down in the mud as soon as the frost kills
+the insects, and there it stays until warm weather
+comes again.”</p>
+
+<p>“Stop teasing that turtle!” cried Winkie to the
+gopher. “If you do not cease, you shall feel the
+points of my teeth. Come here.”</p>
+
+<p>The gopher jumped from the turtle’s back, and,
+holding his head to one side, said good-naturedly:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“I am tired of teasing the slothful turtle, but
+I am not too tired to run a race with you. Let us
+see which of us three will beat in a race.”</p>
+
+<p>Winkie readily consented; but, just as they had
+drawn up in line to take a dash down the narrow
+pathway, a deep growl resounded through the
+thicket. Quick as a flash Winkie darted into a
+hollow stump.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_126" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_126.jpg" width="600" height="553" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“FOLLOW ME,” SAID THE GOPHER, AS HE DISAPPEARED
+INTO A HOLE IN THE GROUND.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Follow me,” said the gopher, quite self-possessed,
+as he disappeared into a hole in the
+ground. Tiny did not like the idea of being under
+ground, nor was he fond of animals that burrow;
+but he obeyed, for he was frightened. He trembled
+violently.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They entered a dark hall, at the end of which was
+a little, round room containing a comfortable bed
+of soft grasses and fur.</p>
+
+<p>“This is a cozy place,” said Tiny, sinking down
+to rest.</p>
+
+<p>“It is my home,” said the little animal. “I suppose
+you know that I am Jolly Gopher. It is fortunate
+that you happened to be so near my residence
+when the panther happened along. Panthers are
+rare in this temperate zone, and I am glad of it.
+What if the savage beast had attacked me while I
+was riding? I am glad that you like my humble
+home.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is a restful place for lazy animals, but I
+should not like to dwell here,” said Tiny, frankly.
+“I always distrusted creatures that burrow in the
+ground away from the air and sunshine, until I
+went to Miss Hare’s school.”</p>
+
+<p>“What has Miss Hare’s school to do with it?”
+asked the gopher, his mouth open.</p>
+
+<p>“I learned that Mother Earth,” said Tiny, “is
+kind indeed to poor little defenseless animals,
+whom she protects from savage animals and
+hunters. Animals all live where they can have the
+greatest safety. The fish lives in the depths of the
+water, the squirrel in the tree, the cricket under a
+rock, and the gopher in the ground. How fortunate
+it is that we do not all live in the same place!”</p>
+
+<p>“I am fond of living down in the ground,” resumed
+the gopher after a moment of silence. “No
+panther nor any other beast bigger than myself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+can meddle with my affairs. I saunter forth early
+in the morning and fill my pockets with fresh, green
+things. You see that my pockets hang down from
+my cheeks. I hurry back and stow away my food.
+When it rains, I stay indoors and sleep and eat.
+A gopher’s life is a very peaceful one.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish I might have pockets,” said Tiny, wistfully.
+“We squirrels don’t
+have them, you know. I
+believe I am the only squirrel
+that carries a hunting
+bag. It was made for me
+by a tailor bird. She is a
+rare and curious bird who
+makes a nest that looks like
+a bag. She selects tough
+leaves and sews them together
+with long, firm
+strips of growing plants.
+She uses her bill as a
+needle.”</p>
+
+<p>“How remarkable!” exclaimed
+the gopher. “I think it would be nicer to
+carry a hunting bag than to have pockets in my
+cheeks. Sometimes my pockets are so full I can’t
+get inside my house.”</p>
+
+<p>“The bee also has pockets&mdash;six little pockets,”
+said Tiny, reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>“And the opossum and several other animals
+have pockets in which they carry their children,”
+added the gopher wisely.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“You seem to observe things as much as I do,”
+said Tiny, admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I travel a great deal and have seen many
+queer things,” replied the gopher, proudly.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_128" class="figleft" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/i_128.jpg" width="250" height="331" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SHE IS ABOUT THE ONLY ANIMAL
+THAT DOES NOT FEAR THE STING
+OF A BEE.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Once I burrowed down into a badger’s home,” he
+went on. “I saw the nursery with the little badgers
+playing about in their bed of moss and grass. The
+mother badger was very civil to me. She is about
+the only animal that does not fear the sting of a bee,
+because her skin is so tough and her hair is so thick.
+It seems to me that of all animals, the badger is
+treated with the greatest cruelty. When the hunters
+catch her, they permit their dogs to torture her
+to death. The harder the poor creature fights to get
+away, the worse they abuse her, and the greater it
+pleases the cruel hunters. Sometimes the poor animal
+endures this brutal treatment for a full day.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have often heard that the verb <em>to badger</em>
+means <em>to tease</em>, or <em>to torment</em>,” said Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know anything about verbs,” replied
+the gopher, “but I do know that some hunters are
+very cruel.”</p>
+
+<p>“Have you ever seen a mole’s nest?” asked Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, yes, when I was quite small, I had the privilege
+of visiting one,” replied the gopher enthusiastically.
+“You may think that the mole is a very
+stupid animal, but I assure you that he is not.”</p>
+
+<p>“An animal that lives in the dirt all the time
+couldn’t be very intelligent,” interrupted Tiny.
+“Besides, his eyes and ears are so small, he surely
+cannot see and hear well.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Little eyes and ears are often more keen than
+larger ones,” quickly replied Jolly Gopher. “Do
+you suppose that a giraffe can see or hear better
+than you can? It is fortunate that the mole has
+such tiny eyes and ears, otherwise they would catch
+a great deal of dirt, as the little animal burrows
+through the earth. The mole is very clean in appearance.
+He sleeps three hours and then he works
+three hours as long as he lives. He is a great
+builder; he sinks wells to quench his thirst; he can
+run fast; he can swim; and he can fight. He loves
+his home in the ground. He seldom comes out.”</p>
+
+<p>“Does he have a nice bed like yours?” asked
+Tiny, much interested.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, he has,” said the gopher. “His home
+is one of the most wonderful things I have ever
+seen. It is reached by passing through one of
+several long, straight halls. The walls are so solid
+that the rain seldom leaks through. I went into
+one of these halls, and with some difficulty made my
+way into another one, which was circular. From
+this hall five passages led to another hall above my
+head. I stopped at the foot of the nearest passage
+to rest. Then I went up. The upper hall was
+circular, but not so large as the lower one. I knew
+that I was at the summit of the mole hill, for I
+could plainly hear the birds singing overhead.
+From this upper circular hall three more passages
+led down to the main room. I went down into this
+room and sat very quietly there for a few moments.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+I wondered why the mole had made it so difficult
+to get into his house.”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose he wants to make his house as safe
+as possible,” suggested the squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“Precisely so,” said the gopher. “If he and his
+family hear some vicious animal coming through
+one of the long halls, they have a chance to escape.
+The central room is a kind of fortress where they
+seek protection.”</p>
+
+<p>“Did you ever see any of the little moles?” asked
+Tiny, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>“No. I learned afterwards that their nursery
+was built at a point where two or more of the long
+halls cross one another. It was situated in an out
+of the way place with many avenues of escape.
+Their bed was made of blades of grass and other
+soft material. I am sure that the nest of a mole is
+safer than that of a goldfinch hanging high up in
+a tree. Why does the goldfinch usually build her
+nest at the end of a branch?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because she likes to have her nest dance up and
+down and sway about in the breeze,” said Tiny.
+“The goldfinch builds very well. Her nest is made
+of lichens and moss and sheep’s wool, and is so
+fashioned that the little birds cannot roll out.
+What jolly times the goldfinches must have teetering
+up and down in a roomy nest on a starlit
+night!”</p>
+
+<p>“Yet they surely suffer when it storms, while the
+little moles are never bothered by lightning and
+thunder,” quickly interposed the gopher. “I suppose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+it is fortunate that all animals do not have
+the same ideas about things.”</p>
+
+<p>“I should like to hear something about prairie
+dogs,” said Tiny, after a while.</p>
+
+<p>“I will gladly tell you,” returned the gopher,
+settling himself more comfortably. “Sometimes
+hundreds of prairie dogs live together in one city.
+It is interesting to watch the round towers of their
+dwellings. Most prairie dogs have small brown
+eyes and grayish-red fur. Although they are agile
+little animals, they do not work much. You would
+laugh to see them when they bark, for they shake
+their stumpy tails and jerk to and fro. They yelp
+like dogs. Some of them act as guards and sit out
+upon their roofs all day long, looking about the
+horizon. When an enemy approaches, they bark
+loudly and rush into their houses, and all the chattering
+ceases. For a while the city is as quiet as
+night; but, in a few minutes, many inquisitive,
+dark eyes peep out to see if danger still threatens
+them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Their city must be a very lively place,” observed
+Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Many other animals visit there,” said the
+gopher. “All kinds of vicious creatures flock to a
+great city, you know. The prairie dogs are often
+molested by hawks, burrowing owls, and coyotes.
+I believe I prefer to live in the country.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am quite satisfied with my mode of living, as
+we all should be,” said Tiny. “I have been greatly
+benefited by learning about these animals. If one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+should get blue or homesick or discouraged, it
+would pay him to visit a gopher and find out how
+other less fortunate animals live. Then he would
+return home quite contented with his lot. I thank
+you for teaching me so much.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are welcome,” replied the gopher. “I, too,
+have learned from you, so we have been mutually
+helped. I never knew before that it is wrong to
+engage in any kind of sport that gives pain to
+another. Henceforth I will never tease a turtle or
+take a ride on his back.”</p>
+
+<p>“I must go,” declared Tiny, rising from his
+downy couch.</p>
+
+<p>“Stay longer,” pleaded the gopher. “The moon
+rises early, and&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“That is no reason why I should go to bed late,”
+interrupted Tiny. “My teacher may worry about
+me. Goodby, Mr. Gopher.”</p>
+
+<p>“Goodby. You must come back,” replied the
+gopher sleepily.</p>
+
+<p>Before Tiny could reach the door, his acquaintance
+with the pockets in his cheeks was fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>The little red squirrel’s heart beat with joy and
+thankfulness when the dewy air, laden with the
+sweet fragrance of early summer, again greeted
+his nostrils. With nimble leaps he made his way
+through the leaf-strewn pathway to the edge of
+the crystal stream. Before him lay the quaint
+beaver houses that had become so dear to him, while
+beyond, the pink western skies faded softly into
+gray, like the happy days of his youth.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>About two weeks before the close of school, Miss
+Hare met with a misfortune. Because of the great
+amount of work she had to do, grading examination
+papers, her eyes became so weak that she scarcely
+could use them. Tiny felt sorry for the patient,
+hard-working teacher, and offered to be of assistance
+to her.</p>
+
+<p>“You may come into the schoolroom and help
+me,” she said to him one Saturday morning. “I
+have a number of important letters to write. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+are very painstaking, and I shall be glad to have
+your assistance.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny followed her into the room and sat down
+beside the desk, very happy to be of some use to
+one he so thoroughly respected. The material upon
+which he wrote was not so white and smooth as the
+paper used in schoolrooms nowadays. It was
+simply birch bark that could be rolled up and tied
+with heavy grass. The ink he used was the juice of
+the pokeberry, and his pen was a goose quill.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_134" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_134.jpg" width="600" height="551" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">AS SOON AS HE HAD WRITTEN A LETTER, HE ROLLED
+IT NEATLY, ADDRESSED IT CAREFULLY, AND GAVE
+IT TO BILLY BEAVER, WHO CALLED A CARRIER
+PIGEON.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>As soon as he had written a letter, he rolled it
+neatly, addressed it carefully, and gave it to Billy
+Beaver, who called a carrier pigeon to take it to its
+place of destination.</p>
+
+<p>During the hour that Tiny spent in the schoolroom
+that morning, he learned about money orders
+and drafts, for it is said that at one time the more
+enlightened residents of Animal Kingdom made
+use of them.</p>
+
+<p>Here are a few letters that Tiny either wrote or
+read for Miss Hare:</p>
+
+<div class="boxitletter">
+
+<p class="lettercenter">1. BUSINESS LETTER.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir1">Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 25,&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+</p><p>
+Messrs. Sheep, Goat &amp; Co.,<br />
+<span class="il1">63, 65, 67 Bleat Street,</span><br />
+<span class="il2">Herd City, Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Gentlemen:</p>
+
+<p>Please send at your earliest convenience the
+following articles for use in my boarding school:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2 quarts milk.</span><br />
+15 pounds wool.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1 dozen quills.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>I enclose money order for three dollars.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Yours respectfully,</span><br />
+(<span class="smcap">Miss</span>) <span class="smcap">Molly Hare</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">2. BUSINESS LETTER.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir1">Beaver Creek, Joy Co., Animal Kingdom,</span><br />
+May 25,&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+</p><p>
+Messrs. Fido, Carlo &amp; Co.,<br />
+<span class="il4">Dogtown, Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Gentlemen:</p>
+
+<p>Please send by Pony Express:</p>
+
+<p>
+1 uniform for janitor, size No. 3.<br />
+2 yards horsehair cloth, as per sample.<br />
+1 school bench, as per catalogue.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Enclosed find draft for ten dollars ($10).</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Respectfully,</span><br />
+(<span class="smcap">Miss</span>) <span class="smcap">Molly Hare</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">3. BUSINESS LETTER.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir2">118 Hill Avenue,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1">Rolling City,</span><br />
+May 16,&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+</p><p>
+Miss Molly Hare,<br />
+<span class="il2">Principal, Beaver Creek School,</span><br />
+<span class="il4">Beaver Creek, Animal Kingdom.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Dear Madam:</p>
+
+<p>For the enclosed money order ($1.25) please<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+send to my address “The Beaver Creek School
+Journal” for one year, beginning next month.</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir8">Yours truly,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Jumpington Prairiedog</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">4. INFORMAL NOTE.</p>
+
+<p>Dear Miss Hare:</p>
+
+<p>Please excuse Glossy Marten from school all next
+week on account of illness in the family.</p>
+
+<p>Will you kindly tell her to travel via Central
+Route to avoid danger?</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Very respectfully yours,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Beauty Marten</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">5. INFORMAL NOTE.</p>
+
+<p>Dear Miss Turkey:</p>
+
+<p>Will you lay aside your work for a short time
+and dine with me Wednesday at 5 o’clock?</p>
+
+<p class="marginright">
+<span class="ir4">Sincerely yours,</span><br />
+<span class="ir1"><span class="smcap">Molly Hare</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">6. FORMAL NOTE.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Pet Pheasant requests the pleasure of Miss
+Hare’s company on Tuesday evening, May thirtieth,
+from four to seven o’clock.</p>
+
+<p>13 Forest Edge Street.</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">7. NOTE OF ACCEPTANCE.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Miss Molly Hare is pleased to accept Miss Pet
+Pheasant’s kind invitation for Wednesday evening,
+May thirtieth.</p>
+
+<p>Beaver Creek, May twenty-fifth.</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">8. INVITATION.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+Miss Brownie Mink<br />
+at home<br />
+Thursday evening, June first<br />
+from six to eight o’clock<br />
+</p><p>
+14 Water Front<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="lettercenter">9. NOTE OF REGRET.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Molly Hare regrets that a previous engagement
+prevents her from accepting Miss Brownie
+Mink’s kind invitation for Thursday evening,
+June first.</p>
+
+<p>Beaver Creek, May twenty-fifth.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“This has been a very pleasant task, I assure
+you,” said Tiny, when his work was done. “I have
+learned how to write a business letter, which is an
+important thing to know. I never before had heard
+of money orders and drafts. You know we do not
+have those things, nor money, nor stores, at
+Squirreltown.”</p>
+
+<p>“Only a few of the more intelligent animals
+know anything about business,” replied Miss Hare.
+“I know of only two large department stores and
+three banks in Animal Kingdom. I have heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+that the ancient human beings used shells for
+money; but, finally, they established the use of
+coins, because they were valued by all classes of
+people. If the hunters would not molest us, Animal
+Kingdom would imitate the human race and
+become very much enlightened. Some day I hope
+you may visit the department store of Sheep, Goat
+&amp; Co., and see for yourself how animals are advancing
+in knowledge. I understand that this great
+store employs almost a dozen clerks.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have also learned how to write an invitation
+and notes of regret and acceptance. They seem to
+be very simple in their construction,” said Tiny,
+placing the quill in a shell filled with sand.</p>
+
+<p>“No self-respecting animal should neglect his
+correspondence, no matter how busy he may be,”
+said Miss Hare. “As a rule, one who hates to write
+letters is one who cannot write them well. It is
+necessary that one should write social and business
+letters, and learn how to make them clear and
+forceful. Now you may rest. I thank you for your
+services, Tiny.”</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_139.jpg" width="400" height="232" alt="Polite bow" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The red
+squirrel, with a
+polite bow, returned
+to his
+room, much
+pleased because
+he had pleased
+some one else.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny’s last ramble through the copse near
+Beaver Creek was one that he never forgot. He
+was beginning to realize how much more pleasing
+are the works of Nature when one really takes an
+interest in them. He had learned to study even
+the snail in his shell house and the Venus’ fly-trap
+that catches insects.</p>
+
+<p>“Aren’t the skies blue, and the trees and grasses
+green, and the music of the birds sweet, and the
+busy hum of the insects inspiring?” he asked himself
+again and again.</p>
+
+<p>Once he stopped to admire the graceful foliage
+of the alder tree.</p>
+
+<p>“That tree has some secrets hidden away that
+I mean to find out,” said he, as he scurried
+up its smooth trunk. He gazed through the
+branches. At last he espied a nest. It was built
+of coarse sticks.</p>
+
+<p>“What an odd place for a jay bird’s home!” he
+exclaimed. “I never could understand why the jay
+does not build a comfortable nest like that of the
+robin. Perhaps he fears he might spoil his little
+ones by making them too comfortable.”</p>
+
+<p>Next he saw a queer object that held his attention
+for a long time. A caterpillar was hanging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+from a leaf. Tiny thought that it was about to
+fall, but the little worm held fast with all its might.
+It was attaching a fine thread to the point of a leaf,
+but it worked harder than the man who fells a tree.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not molest that caterpillar,” said a voice
+from a limb overhead.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny looked up and saw a peculiar animal with
+a long, pointed face and sharp teeth, hanging head
+downward from a limb overhead. With a startled
+cry, the squirrel hid in a thick branch.</p>
+
+<p>“You need not fear me, for I do not eat squirrels,”
+said the odd creature. “I am looking for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+birds. I should think you would be ashamed to
+attack a poor little caterpillar.”</p>
+
+<p>“Never in my life have I molested a caterpillar,”
+declared Tiny. “I should think you would be
+ashamed to attack birds.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, everything depends upon the point of
+view,” replied the larger animal. “I am not responsible
+if my views do not agree with your own,
+for I see things upside down.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_141" class="figcenter" style="width: 546px;">
+<img src="images/i_141.jpg" width="546" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“WHY DO YOU HANG BY YOUR TAIL?” TINY ASKED.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Why do you hang by your tail?” asked Tiny.
+From his hiding place he peeped at the curious
+animal.</p>
+
+<p>“Because I am an opossum, and I am wise
+enough to know that tails were made to hang by.
+I couldn’t hang by my neck, could I?”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose not,” replied Tiny, with a laugh.
+“Reynard, Snowball, and Rover have strong tails.
+I will tell them that they should cultivate the use
+of them, as the opossum does.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll be glad to teach them how,” said the opossum,
+not in the least offended at the squirrel’s
+amusement. Tiny drew closer to get a better view
+of his new acquaintance. He could look into his
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Reynard, Snowball, or Rover is going with me
+to-morrow. I should like you to teach some of
+your amusing tricks to the one who comes.”</p>
+
+<p>The opossum laughed so hard that Tiny feared
+he would lose his hold and fall upon him.</p>
+
+<p>“Neither Reynard, Rover, nor Snowball is likely
+to be benefited by anything that I may teach him,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+said the opossum, evidently much pleased by Tiny’s
+suggestion. “Neither the birds nor the animals
+admire me.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not dislike you,” said Tiny, truthfully.</p>
+
+<p>“I am not so dull as one might think. I can sit
+up and I can hang by my tail.”</p>
+
+<p>“I can sit up, but I cannot hang by my tail,” said
+Tiny. “Some squirrels can fly, but I am sure I can
+beat any flying squirrel in a race. A red, a gray,
+and a black squirrel live close together at Squirreltown.
+The mayor sends them with messages to
+other neighboring towns. They are as swift as
+lightning.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps you wonder why I am looking so
+closely at that caterpillar,” said the opossum,
+without stopping to argue concerning the fleetness
+of squirrels. “All morning long I have watched
+with anxious eyes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps you want to see what he is trying to
+do,” suggested Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“The caterpillar does not interest me at all,”
+said the opossum rather brusquely. “I am waiting
+for a bird to come along to catch the caterpillar.
+Before the bird catches the worm, I shall catch the
+bird&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“And perhaps some hunter will catch you before
+you can catch the bird,” interrupted Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“You are right,” said the opossum. “Every animal
+always seems to be ready to catch another one.
+I like pretty birds as you like plump acorns. A
+yellow, brown, and blue bird is a very attractive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+creature. An ugly sparrow is not half so pleasing
+to me as a golden oriole.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry that you like to destroy birds,” said
+Tiny, who had learned to love the little feathered
+songsters of the forest. “You are cowardly. You
+attack birds. They are smaller than you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am cowardly but cautious,” returned the
+opossum. “I should be foolish to try to capture
+an eagle. I have caught six little birds this morning.
+The first, second, and third birds were sparrows.
+The fourth, the fifth, and the sixth birds
+were robins.”</p>
+
+<p>“The poor things surely did not suffer long.
+Your mouth is so large and your teeth are so
+sharp,” said the red squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“Where do you live?” inquired the opossum,
+still gazing at the caterpillar.</p>
+
+<p>“I came from Beaver Creek,” answered Tiny.
+“I am out to-day to study Nature.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you needn’t spend any more of your time
+here. There are other things to see,” snapped the
+opossum. “Your incessant chatter is keeping the
+birds away.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where do you live?” asked Tiny, wishing to
+save as many birds as possible.</p>
+
+<p>“Close by,” replied the opossum indifferently.
+“I live in a dead tree.”</p>
+
+<p>“What has become of the caterpillar?”</p>
+
+<p>“It is still working away. It is a remarkable
+toiler. Now it has succeeded in bending back the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+point of the leaf and has fastened it down with bits
+of thread.”</p>
+
+<p>“It has curled the leaf until it looks like a little
+tube with a very round hole at each end,” said
+Tiny, much interested.</p>
+
+<p>“Caterpillars make houses of leaves,” explained
+the opossum.</p>
+
+<p>“How very odd!” exclaimed the squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“That depends upon the point of view,” repeated
+the opossum. “Insects breathe through
+holes along their sides. You have lungs. Through
+these lungs you breathe. Both of these methods of
+breathing might seem very odd to the fish, who
+breathes through his gills.”</p>
+
+<p>“How can the caterpillar turn around in such a
+small house?” asked Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“It doesn’t wish to turn around,” said the opossum.
+“The caterpillar does not wiggle so much as
+the squirrel. It knows that big houses are seldom
+half as cozy as smaller ones. As soon as it gets
+settled down to housekeeping, it begins to eat its
+little green house.”</p>
+
+<p>“How funny!” chuckled Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Before very long it eats itself out of house and
+home,” said the opossum.</p>
+
+<p>“What would you do if a hunter were to steal
+up and club you?” asked Tiny, more interested in
+the quadruped than in the worm.</p>
+
+<p>“If a hunter should attack me, I would drop
+down and play that I was dead,” was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>“Once Snowball pretended to be asleep when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+Billy Beaver called him,” said Tiny. “Billy said
+that Snowball was ‘playing ’possum.’ Now I know
+what he meant.”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose that the opossum is not the only animal
+that tries to deceive,” said the opossum, with
+a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>“I see that you are sleepy,” said the squirrel.
+“I must go to my home. I wonder why animals
+are so impolite as to yawn when they are entertaining
+company.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps it would be better for you to say
+goodby before your entertainers tire of you,” retorted
+the opossum.</p>
+
+<p>This advice was a golden gift to Tiny. He never
+forgot it. With a courteous farewell, he hastened
+down the trunk of the tree. When he reached the
+ground, he stopped a moment to gaze overhead.
+The opossum was asleep among the branches.</p>
+
+<p>“He had better be sleeping than killing birds,”
+said Tiny, gratefully. “I shall visit the opossum
+often and keep him out of mischief. This afternoon
+has been well spent. I have stood between the
+birds and their enemy.”</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_146.jpg" width="600" height="225" alt="I have stood between the birds and their enemy." />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The last day of school rolled round. The pupils
+of the Beaver Creek School were in a state of pleasant
+excitement. They smoothed their feathers or
+brushed their fur until they were as sleek as could
+be. All the civilized animals for miles around were
+present. Mr. Owl, looking wiser and more serious
+than ever, was the first visitor to arrive. Miss
+Hare, with earrings hanging from her long ears
+and a wreath of white blossoms on her head,
+greeted him warmly. Soon after, Mother Goose,
+the most beloved fowl in Animal Kingdom, waddled
+into the main building in good time. Sammy Rabbit’s
+relatives followed her, also Puss Snowball’s
+mother and aunt.</p>
+
+<p>Billy Beaver and his friends had erected a platform
+in the creek, and upon its smooth surface had
+built a green bower. The messenger pigeons had
+adorned this bower with beautiful flowers, and the
+pupils had filled in the rough places of the floor
+with pretty shells and pebbles.</p>
+
+<p>On the shady bank across the way, the larger
+animals of the wood had gathered. Tiny could see
+them plainly as he sat in his room, brushing out
+his long tail. There were Mr. Goat, of the great
+department store, and his daughter, Miss Nannie;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+the Otter family in their best garments; Miss Mink,
+a close friend of Miss Hare; several from the
+Badger family; and, in the background, as modest
+as could be, Mr. Opossum, Jolly Gopher, and the
+Ferret brothers.</p>
+
+<p>While awaiting the signal of Billy Beaver, Tiny
+was visited by Shifty Woodchuck, who carried a
+soiled composition.</p>
+
+<p>“Won’t you please help me?” whined Shifty, as
+he thrust the composition between Tiny’s forepaws.
+“You know I was to graduate with your class, but
+Miss Hare will not let me.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_148" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_148.jpg" width="600" height="385" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“WON’T YOU PLEASE HELP ME?” WHINED SHIFTY.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Pupils that fail should not blame their teachers.
+It is entirely your own fault,” said Tiny, looking
+over the careless manuscript.</p>
+
+<p>“I wish I hadn’t slept so much last winter,” continued
+Shifty, ruefully. “However, I believe that
+if Miss Hare will let me read my composition, I
+will get the prize. Miss Hare says I cannot read
+it properly, because it is carelessly written. Please
+tell me what is the matter with it. To me it looks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+very well. I have spent nearly an hour in writing
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“If you ever intend to write a good composition,
+you will have to work longer than an hour,” said
+Tiny. “You will have to read things that will help
+you, and you must exercise great care. Moreover,
+you must not postpone your work until the last
+minute.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny, with great difficulty, read Shifty’s composition,
+which was as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="center">one saturday Afternoon in may</p>
+
+<p>“the first may Holiday was beautiful! the sun
+shined bright. birds twittered and sung sweetly the
+flowers were in bloom. nature was happy. warm
+weather had came. mister beaver and me went
+for a stroll. how our hearts thrilled with Joy?
+We stopped by the Creek. us animals like the
+water</p>
+
+<p>the clear sparkling waves passed by us. hark
+sweet music comes from the brook and the forest
+they cried.</p>
+
+<p>come into the woods mister beaver i said, are
+you afraid of the tall trees.</p>
+
+<p>i will set here says he. a Beaver don’t wander
+into the Thicket, he prefers the Creek. daisys and
+violets may be pretty but spatter-docks is prettier,
+you can go if you wish, and I will stay here.</p>
+
+<p>i replied that Woodchucks squirrels rabbits and
+many other animals preferred the wild flowers. i<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+ran to the bushes. o how cool they seemed. they
+were green and fragrant with blossoms, the leaves
+of the trees were bigger than their’s but they wasn’t
+more beautiful. i wandered for a hour through the
+woods. i seen a birds’ nest and many interesting
+things, a active guinea hen was hiding among the
+Ferns with her brood</p>
+
+<p>a few deers were laying behind a pile of brush,
+they run when i approached. i could heer wild
+geeses’ cries. every animal of the forest were moving
+about. in each glade was a hundred live creatures.
+i went back to the brook, mister beaver was
+waiting for me.</p>
+
+<p>“did you have a pleasant time he asked lazily?”</p>
+
+<p>the forest is grand i cried joyously. the animals
+of the forest are rejoicing while you are setting by
+this brook with a long face.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>“What is wrong with it?” inquired Shifty, when
+the red squirrel had finished reading. “I am sure
+that it is as well written as the others, for I am a
+good speller and have learned not to use bad
+grammar.”</p>
+
+<p>“Everything is wrong with it,” said Tiny,
+frankly, although he was too polite to make fun
+of Shifty’s ignorance.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Billy Beaver began thumping
+with his long tail.</p>
+
+<p>“Read it over very carefully many times, and
+perhaps you may be able to find your mistakes,”
+said Tiny, as he hastened out into the sunlit air.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>From the top of the bower over the platform a
+chorus of goldfinches, swallows, robins, and wrens
+began singing “Hail to Spring.” At the same
+time Miss Hare, followed by the graduating class,
+came out of the schoolroom, and, with great dignity,
+made her way to the platform. Miss Hare
+seated herself upon a mossy cushion, while the
+graduating class sat near her, forming a semicircle.
+The graduates were Susie Goose, Sammy
+Rabbit, Winkie Weasel, Puss Snowball, Rover
+Canine, Reynard Redfox, and Tiny Redsquirrel.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of the song, which
+was followed by loud cries of applause,
+Mr. Owl, who sat upon a
+branch in front of the platform,
+said that the class would proceed
+to deliver their compositions. He
+added that a prize would be given
+to the one who had the best theme,
+and that Miss Hare, Mother Goose,
+and he would be judges.</p>
+
+<p>When this announcement was
+made, Mother Goose rose from her
+comfortable seat by the side of the
+Misses Pea Fowl and Guinea, and
+flew to a seat beside Mr. Owl. The audience cheered
+again more loudly than before.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_151" class="figleft" style="width: 175px;">
+<img src="images/i_151.jpg" width="175" height="365" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">SAMMY RABBIT WAS
+THE FIRST OF
+THE CLASS TO
+SPEAK.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Sammy Rabbit was the first of the class to speak.
+Leaping to the front of the platform, he faced his
+audience, and, with a profound bow, read as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p class="center">SOME QUEER CREATURES I HAVE SEEN.</p>
+
+<p>One day our teacher sent us out to study Nature.
+She said that we should observe the simplest things,
+for often they were the most instructive.</p>
+
+<p>My friend, Puss Snowball, went with me. Both
+of us were anxious to improve our time. We animals
+are fast friends.</p>
+
+<p>Three merry little ferrets darted across our
+pathway. We followed them, but finally gave up
+the chase. Snowball’s fur was filled with briers
+and thistles; I was covered with mud, and had to
+bathe in the brook. How we laughed! At last we
+decided that we would study the smallest and
+simplest things, as our teacher had told us to do.</p>
+
+<p>We found some earthworms in the soft loam.
+These little creatures burrow into the soil when
+the first frost comes. They spend the winter deep
+in the ground, where the cold cannot reach them.
+They do not mind if it blows and snows.</p>
+
+<p>We saw a katydid. He was of a pale green
+color. His gauzy wings had little covers that
+looked like drums. He rubbed the drums briskly,
+and the music that he made was very cheerful. Did
+you ever hear the katydid’s shrilling? The katydid,
+however, is very small.</p>
+
+<p>We saw two interesting spiders in the brook.
+Spiders have eight legs, while true insects have
+only six. One of these little creatures had made a
+silken diving-bell that resembled a tiny silver globe.
+The other had made a raft of weeds, fastened together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+with silken threads. Then they went slowly
+downstream to catch insects that might fall into
+the water. Spiders, although quite tiny, are very
+clever. When spiders sleep, they sleep soundly;
+when they work, they work industriously; when
+they fight, they fight fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>Ants, bees, and wasps are interesting. The fly,
+too, is worthy of study. It has four thousand small
+eyes. Observe it carefully.</p>
+
+<p>Nature is full of wonderful, beautiful things&mdash;but
+I shall not have time to tell any more about
+the queer creatures I have seen.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Sammy’s composition was much appreciated.
+He had chosen a simple, familiar subject and kept
+it plainly in mind.</p>
+
+<p>Winkie Weasel met with less favor, for he had
+undertaken to write about something that was beyond
+his understanding. One can imagine how
+much a little weasel would know about “The
+Growth of Intellectual Perspicuity.” He stumbled
+over the long words in a way that made all the little
+prairie dogs in the front row titter in a very impolite
+manner. Weenie Mouse became so much
+frightened that he scampered away, long before
+it was time for him to recite, and caused quite a
+panic amongst the members of the Hen family.</p>
+
+<p>The other compositions were well written, although
+Puss Snowball’s was spoiled by a singsong
+delivery.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally, the frog orchestra, from their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>
+green lily pads close by, would play a spirited air;
+and Jenny Wren, a nervous little body, who
+twitched every time she reached a high note, sang
+“Happy Woodlands.”</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_155" class="figcenter" style="width: 459px;">
+<img src="images/i_155.jpg" width="459" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">TINY REDSQUIRREL WAS THE LAST OF HIS
+CLASS TO APPEAR BEFORE THE AUDIENCE.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tiny Redsquirrel was the last of his class to appear
+before the audience. With becoming modesty,
+he rose, saluted the judges and his hearers, and
+recited in a loud, clear voice:</p>
+
+<p class="center p1 poemheader">HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">There is a spell in every flower,
+</div><div class="indent1">A sweetness in each spray;
+</div><div class="indent0">And every single bird has power
+</div><div class="indent1">To please us with its lay.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">And there is music on the breeze
+</div><div class="indent1">That sports along the glade;
+</div><div class="indent0">The crystal dewdrops on the trees
+</div><div class="indent1">Are gems by fancy made.
+</div></div><div class="stanza">
+<div class="indent0">Oh, there is joy and happiness
+</div><div class="indent1">In everything we see!
+</div><div class="indent0">But greatest joys we shall possess
+</div><div class="indent1">Through truth and purity.
+</div></div></div></div>
+
+<p>When he had finished, all the animals near and
+far gave vent to tremendous applause, for animal
+audiences are not so hard to please as those composed
+of human beings. Mr. Opossum became so
+enthusiastic that he shouted at the top of his voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Hurrah for Mr. Redsquirrel! One cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+judge by the size of a creature how much he can
+say.”</p>
+
+<p>Miss Hare joined the other two judges, and for
+a few moments they held an earnest conversation
+among themselves, while the audience sat in breathless
+expectation.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, Mother Goose descended from her perch
+and waddled to the front of the platform, where
+she faced the eager listeners and said in a shrill,
+but kindly voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Animals of the forest, the judges have decided
+that the prize should go to Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel of
+Squirreltown!”</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the embarrassed but happy little
+squirrel, she pulled from her wing a quill, which
+she gave him with a low bow, saying:</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 425px;">
+<img src="images/i_157.jpg" width="425" height="237" alt="This quill was taken from my wing." />
+</div>
+
+<p>“This quill was taken from my wing. No creature
+is more respected by the human race and all
+other animals than I am. Anyone who receives a
+quill pen made from one of my feathers will be
+famous ever after. Accept this reward for your
+excellent poem and your good scholarship; but bear
+in mind that
+every achievement
+is but a
+camping place
+for the night.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tiny never forgot the pleasant half hour that
+followed his graduation. Although he felt happy,
+he was sorry to leave dear old Beaver Creek with
+its many delightful associations. After waving a
+friendly farewell to Mr. Opossum, Jolly Gopher,
+and his other chance acquaintances, he turned to
+bid his classmates goodby. The bird choir was still
+singing its sweetest airs.</p>
+
+<p>“Your poem was very good for a beginner,” said
+Miss Hare, with a smile. “I suspect that you spent
+much time in its preparation.”</p>
+
+<p>“I expect to write a better one in a year from
+now,” replied Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“You did not get frightened at all,” said timid
+Katie Goose, who had been unable to read her composition
+loud enough for her audience to hear.</p>
+
+<p>“One is never afraid of an audience unless he is
+afraid of himself,” said Tiny. “I hope your
+future life will be happy, Katie.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you,” replied Katie. “I want to be a
+lovely character like my aunt, dear old Mother
+Goose.”</p>
+
+<p>“I want to thank you for your kindness to me,
+Mr. Owl,” continued the squirrel, running to where
+the wise trustee of the school sat listening to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+merry chorus of voices. “I have done nothing to
+pay for my board and tuition. In fact, I never
+knew there was such a thing as money, and that
+animals should pay for what they get from others,
+instead of trying to steal it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do not worry about that,” said the owl, kindly.
+“Miss Hare’s school is free to pupils that cannot
+pay. It is kept up by taxes paid by the good citizens
+of Joy County. In this day of free schools, it
+is a terrible crime for animals to neglect their
+education.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall organize a school in Squirreltown as
+soon as I return,” said Tiny. “The little ones
+would be more benefitted if they would exercise
+their brains as well as their legs.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish you success,” said the owl prophet,
+kindly. “Your education has just begun. Even if
+you should live as many years as a turtle does, you
+would never learn all there is to know. Most squirrels
+observe closely, but almost every squirrel does
+not think as much as he should.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am going now,” said Tiny. “Please also accept
+my thanks for your kindness to my mother
+during my absence from home. I hope you will
+come to Squirreltown and give me a chance to entertain
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you,” replied the owl. “I should be
+glad to carry you home, but I believe you are old
+enough to find your own way. There are many
+other lessons for you to learn, and there are other
+dreadful battles that you must fight alone. Always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+be brave and hopeful, no matter what befalls you.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny bade Miss Hare goodby, and she wished
+him success. He tried to find Billy Beaver, but the
+good janitor had already started up creek to his
+work. One by one the graduates left the school
+for their various homes, and, when Tiny started
+forth on his journey, Beaver Creek was quiet and
+deserted. With a sigh of regret he gazed back at
+the domes of the buildings, and in his heart wished
+that he might return.</p>
+
+<p>As he turned into the narrow path that led to
+the north, he heard the noise of pattering feet. In
+a few moments Winkie Weasel was beside him,
+panting heavily.</p>
+
+<p>“I am going with you as far as Deertown,” said
+he. “What a pleasant visit we shall have on the
+way! You were always kind to help me with my
+lessons, and I thank you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose you are anxious to get back home,”
+said Tiny, as they hurried along.</p>
+
+<p>“Not very,” replied Winkie, seriously. “My
+home is not pleasant. However, I am going to try
+to exert a good influence over those with whom I
+live. Weasels fight most of the time, you know. I
+shall try to teach them that vegetables are as wholesome
+as meat, and that weasels would be just as
+healthy if they did not eat every little animal that
+crossed their path.”</p>
+
+<p>For a long time they chatted concerning their
+classmates and the graduating exercises. They
+praised their teacher’s elegant manners, Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>
+Goose’s excellent morals and grand air, the pretty
+faces of the Otter sisters, the beautiful bower that
+Billy Beaver and his friends had made, and the
+neat schoolroom. Winkie congratulated Tiny
+again and again upon his splendid victory.</p>
+
+<p>When it grew dark, they stopped to rest. Tiny,
+with the quill Mother Goose had given him securely
+tied to his body, carefully climbed a tree. He found
+a cozy spot sheltered by broad leaves. In the meantime,
+Winkie found comfortable quarters in a
+hollow log. Soon they fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of the night an awful storm arose.
+The lightning flashed and the thunder roared. The
+trees bent and swayed in the angry winds. It
+seemed to Tiny that the world was coming to an
+end; but he was brave and hopeful, for he knew
+that the sunshine would be bright on the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>When the storm had abated somewhat, he fell
+asleep again. However, he slept badly. He thought
+some cruel animal was about to spring upon him
+and swallow him in one gulp. He was a really
+brave little creature, but such dreams are prone to
+disturb even the boldest animal.</p>
+
+<p>He shuddered and opened his eyes with a start.
+Not six feet away two terrible eyes of fire were fixed
+upon him. He then knew that his dream was real.
+In the flash of lightning that followed, he could
+see a large animal about to spring at him. Its legs
+were powerful, its feet were heavy, and its claws
+glistened. Another flash of lightning revealed the
+pointed ears of the terrible beast.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Tiny tried to escape, but the branch of the tree
+was slippery with rain. In a twinkling he received
+a terrific blow from an enormous paw. Then followed
+a crash of thunder, an angry roar, and the
+frightened shriek of a poor helpless squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, save me from the lynx&mdash;the lynx!” he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Both he and the bloodthirsty creature had fallen
+to the ground. Tiny knew that in another moment
+he might meet with a tragic fate. Another flash
+of lightning showed the lynx, with his fur standing
+straight and his back curled, ready to pounce upon
+him.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_162" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_162.jpg" width="600" height="473" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">WHEN THE LIGHTNING FLASHED AGAIN HE DASHED FORWARD AND
+THRUST THE PEN INTO THE DELICATE NOSTRILS OF THE LYNX.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Darkness came again. Tiny was so badly stunned
+for a while that he could hardly move. He stood
+dumbly awaiting the final blow. Then a loud roar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+of pain resounded through the forest. It was evident
+to Tiny that some creature was attacking the
+lynx. The little squirrel unloosened the pen that
+had been given him. When the lightning flashed
+again, he dashed forward and thrust it into the
+delicate nostril of the lynx. There was another
+cry, more of surprise than of pain, and the ferocious
+animal disappeared in the blackness of night.</p>
+
+<p>“We are safe now,” said Winkie Weasel’s welcome
+voice. “It is fortunate that I came with you.
+Just as the lynx was about to destroy you, I rushed
+out of the stump and gave his tail a bite that he
+will not soon forget. I think, judging by the way
+he yelled, he must have thought he was struck by
+lightning.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny was too weak to reply. He stood shivering
+in the rain, yet he was grateful that he had learned
+the value of friendship. Winkie, who enjoyed
+dreadful encounters, pushed him back into the
+stump that he might protect him through the night.
+There they remained until daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, forget about the lynx and don’t be so cast
+down,” were the first words that Winkie said on
+the following morning. “Don’t hold any ill-will
+towards him. He was only thinking what a fine
+meal you would make. All animals are looking out
+for themselves.”</p>
+
+<p>A turn in the long path brought them into Deertown.
+A number of red deer were lying together
+upon the grassy turf. They had slept well, for the
+branches of the trees had formed a thick canopy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+over their heads. A stag with a reddish-brown coat
+and big branching antlers was guarding them.
+Several pretty fawns with brown eyes and white
+coats were playing hide-and-seek in the bushes.
+Although deer are quick to hear the footsteps of
+larger animals, they paid no heed to the little
+newcomers.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_164" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_164.jpg" width="600" height="569" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">“ISN’T THE STAG A NOBLE-LOOKING CREATURE?”</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“Isn’t the stag noble-looking!” cried Tiny.
+“What a big creature he is!”</p>
+
+<p>“He is very proud,” said Winkie, less admiringly.
+“He is also selfish, for he becomes angry if
+any other stag comes inside his family circle.”</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t it fortunate that we don’t have to wear
+antlers?” laughed Tiny. “How funny you would
+look, Winkie, with horns or antlers!”</p>
+
+<p>“It is said that one can tell the age of a stag by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+looking at his antlers,” replied Winkie, with the
+sprightliness that Tiny enjoyed. “Perhaps Mother
+Goose is thankful, too, that she doesn’t have them.”</p>
+
+<p>Not far beyond Deertown, the two associates
+separated. Tiny was to go directly north, while
+Winkie was to pass through several winding paths
+to Weasel Bog.</p>
+
+<p>“Goodby, Tiny. Carry your prize safely home,
+and tell your mother that you well deserved it,”
+said Winkie. “Some day I will bring my family to
+see you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am afraid you wouldn’t be very welcome in
+Squirreltown,” said Tiny. “However, I will meet
+you alone at any time you suggest. I will fetch
+you something good to eat.”</p>
+
+<p>“Squirrels are all right in their bad opinions of
+weasels,” said Winkie, regretfully. “I never
+thought how scandalous my family would act, if I
+took them to Squirreltown. I do not wish to visit
+your village, but I will meet you at any place you
+may suggest. I want to see you only. Let me hear
+from you often.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right,” replied Tiny, cheerily.</p>
+
+<p>With another farewell he turned north and ran
+as fast as he could. Two or three times he stopped
+to eat some delicious acorns and other food he
+found by the wayside, for Nature has bountifully
+provided for the squirrel race.</p>
+
+<p>He might have reached home without any more
+dreadful encounters, had it not been for his
+curiosity. While resting on the lower branch of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+beech tree, he saw an animal with soft, silky fur,
+fast asleep on the bough above his head. He did
+not know that the pretty, innocent-looking creature
+was a wild cat, one of the most terrible beasts of
+the wood. The thoughtless squirrel stole noiselessly
+to the side of the sleeping animal and made a shrill,
+screeching noise.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_166" class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/i_166.jpg" width="600" height="469" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">HE RAN WITH ALL HIS MIGHT ALONG THE PATH.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The wild cat awoke. Instantly it changed to a
+ferocious monster, with ruffled fur and eyes that
+seemed to shoot forth flames. With a snarl of rage,
+it dashed at its disturber. Tiny, whose heart beat
+wildly, dashed down the tree. Instead of seeking
+refuge in some knothole, he ran with all his might
+along the path. He expected to be killed at any
+moment. Horror made him run all the faster, for
+he knew that the wild cat was the most dreadful
+animal he could possibly arouse.</p>
+
+<p>Over fallen twigs and branches the frightened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+squirrel leapt, little thinking of other dangers
+that might befall him. At last his strength began
+to fail. He knew that he could hold out but a few
+minutes longer. Torn by brush and briers, he
+ascended an oak tree. A little door stood ajar. He
+rushed through the tiny opening and fell prostrate.</p>
+
+<p>When he regained his senses, a little gray animal
+with liquid dark eyes was bending over him.</p>
+
+<p>“Bushy Graysquirrel!” he cried in delight.</p>
+
+<p>“I am very glad to receive you in my new home,”
+was Bushy’s welcome greeting.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>“I am so glad to see you!” exclaimed Tiny. “I
+was running away from a wild cat, and met you
+by accident.”</p>
+
+<p>“I saw you running,” answered Bushy. “However,
+I did not see a wild cat. Squirrels run faster
+than wild cats, so I suppose he gave up the chase.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am not a coward,” declared the red squirrel,
+somewhat embarrassed, “but I think it is best to
+run when a wild cat comes into one’s life.”</p>
+
+<p>“In this forest are few wild cats,” asserted
+Bushy. “They seldom disturb us, unless they are
+provoked.”</p>
+
+<p>“What are you doing here?” asked Tiny, when
+he had fully recovered from his shock.</p>
+
+<p>“I live here in the country now,” was the reply.
+“Perhaps you do not know that I have a mate. He
+is out getting acorns for our luncheon. Of acorns
+there is a great plenty in this part of the woods.
+They cover the ground.”</p>
+
+<p>“Has Squirreltown changed much?” he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>“You would hardly know the place,” answered
+the gray squirrel. “All our playmates have grown
+up. Peggy and her mate live in the city, and Polly
+Blacksquirrel and her mate own the big beech by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>
+the brook. Dr. Flyingsquirrel has retired from
+business on account of his great age. He must be
+nearly five years old. Your mother, however, is
+well and happy. Many citizens has Squirreltown.
+Not one in a hundred leaves it for the country.
+I&mdash;”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you ever visit there?” interrupted Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Neither of us has been back for some time,”
+said Bushy. “We will go over to-night to attend
+the celebration.”</p>
+
+<p>“What celebration?”</p>
+
+<p>“One which is to be given upon your return
+home,” laughed Bushy.</p>
+
+<p>Tiny then remembered that Mr. Owl had promised
+the winner of the prize a still greater reward.
+He felt very grateful and happy, but did not think
+it polite to question Bushy any further.</p>
+
+<p>After a short visit with his old friend, Tiny bade
+her goodby, and resumed his journey. He hurried
+along almost as fast as he did when he thought the
+wild cat was after him, for he was anxious to see
+his dear old home once more, and to receive his
+mother’s welcome greeting.</p>
+
+<p>While he was drinking at a small stream, he
+heard a shrill cry. Before he could turn round, he
+was pushed off his feet. Over and over he rolled,
+until he almost fell into the water.</p>
+
+<p>“Tiny, Tiny, I am so glad to see you!” cried a
+well known voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Chatty Chipmunk!” exclaimed Tiny, equally
+delighted; for there was his earliest playmate dancing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+about like a wild creature. “Never before
+have I received such an unexpected greeting.”</p>
+
+<p>“I learned that you would be home to-day, and
+have come to meet you,” continued Chatty. “Near
+the city wait a number of your old friends. I
+couldn’t stand still, so here I am.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are you still fond of playing?” asked Tiny,
+somewhat amused at his gay friend.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes. I don’t suppose that I ever shall take life
+seriously,” was the laughing reply. “Nature never
+intended that I should work or study. However, I
+have a thrifty mate, and she makes a very comfortable
+living for me. Every one of those animals at
+Squirreltown avoids me, but I do not care.”</p>
+
+<p>“If I were mayor of Squirreltown, I would make
+you work or let you starve,” said Tiny, severely.</p>
+
+<p>“Your education has not improved your appearance,”
+said Chatty, quickly changing the subject.
+“You look old and all mussed up.”</p>
+
+<p>“Animals who spend all their time in study are
+apt to become careless of their personal appearance,”
+explained Tiny. “You forget, however,
+that I have had a long journey, and that animals of
+good taste do not try to look too sleek when they
+travel. They do not wish to attract attention.”</p>
+
+<p>“Of what use are books and study?” inquired
+Chatty.</p>
+
+<p>“They are of no use to such as you,” replied the
+squirrel impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>“And what are you doing with that old goose
+quill strapped to your back?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“That is the prize I won for good scholarship,”
+said Tiny, rather disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>“How funny!” cried the chipmunk, laughing
+until his sides ached. “How could an animal spend
+so much time studying, just to win a goose quill?”</p>
+
+<p>“You and I do not see things alike, Chatty,” said
+Tiny, with an air of superiority. “It is not possible
+for an uneducated animal like you to feel the
+noble sentiment that makes this goose quill dear to
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are as queer as some human beings,” declared
+Chatty. “I have heard of a silly man that
+studied for many years to win an old piece of
+sheepskin.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny wisely forbore further argument. After a
+few minutes’ rest was taken, he arose, and together
+they hastened to Squirreltown.</p>
+
+<p>When the grand old trees of the city appeared to
+view, Tiny shouted for joy. There is nothing in
+life so dear as home and its associations, and the
+country in which one lives, and the individuals
+with whom one associates.</p>
+
+<p>Although sentinels had been stationed at the entrances
+of the highways to meet Tiny, he stole up a
+back street; for he wished to see his mother first of
+all.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Redsquirrel was preparing the last meal of
+the day. Although somewhat older in appearance
+than when he left her, she seemed as beautiful as
+ever to Tiny.</p>
+
+<p>“Mother!” he cried, as he rushed into the house.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With shrieks of joy, the good creature bounded
+over the table and to and fro until she was exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>“Welcome! welcome home!” she cried, her little
+heart fairly bursting with motherly love and joy.</p>
+
+<p>They chatted until dusk began to steal over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+Squirreltown. At last they were interrupted by
+Chatty Chipmunk.</p>
+
+<p>“You are under arrest, Tiny,” he said, gravely.
+“I am bidden by the mayor to take you to the park
+which faces the city hall.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny and his mother good-naturedly followed
+Chatty, thinking that perhaps he was, as of old,
+playing some joke upon them.</p>
+
+<p>“Be merciful to me, Tiny,” pleaded Chatty, on
+their way to the park. “Remember that I am your
+oldest friend. I promise you that I will lead a useful
+life in the future. My greatest regret now is
+that I trifled all my time away when I was young.”</p>
+
+<p>Tiny did not reply. They had entered the
+green park, facing which was a decayed log with
+many doors and windows. It was used as a city
+hall.</p>
+
+<div id="Ref_172" class="figcenter" style="width: 574px;">
+<img src="images/i_172.jpg" width="574" height="650" alt="" />
+<div class="caption"><p class="center">WHAT WAS TINY’S SURPRISE TO FIND ALL THE CITIZENS OF SQUIRRELTOWN
+GATHERED THERE TO MEET HIM!</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>What was Tiny’s surprise to find all the citizens
+of Squirreltown gathered there to meet him. There
+were the aged mayor at the door of the city hall, the
+militia, the policemen, and all the aldermen and
+other dignitaries of the city. Every one was dignified
+and silent. Tiny and his mother were led by
+two policemen to the little balcony over the entrance
+to the building. They were unable to speak,
+from surprise and wonderment.</p>
+
+<p>“Hoot! hoot! hoot!” rang out from a bough over
+their heads. This cry was evidently another signal
+to enforce perfect order. Tiny gazed up timidly,
+and saw the yellow eyes of the owl prophet staring
+down upon him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>“Citizens of Squirreltown,” cried Mr. Owl, “I,
+the wisest of all living creatures, take pleasure in
+presenting to you, Mr. Tiny Redsquirrel, the new
+mayor of Squirreltown!”</p>
+
+<p>Flapping his wings in approbation, he flew away,
+never to return again.</p>
+
+<p>Then wild cheers rent the air. Never since that
+time has Squirreltown been so riotous. Before
+Tiny could realize his exalted position, he was surrounded
+by his old friends. There were Dr. Flyingsquirrel
+and his family, Chatty Chipmunk and
+his mate, Peggy and Bushy Graysquirrel, Polly
+Blacksquirrel, and many others, cheering and wishing
+him success and happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of lightning bugs circled above their
+heads, throwing out green and orange-colored rays.
+Billy Foxsquirrel and his band whistled gay airs;
+a frog orchestra close by joined them; and a chorus
+of friendly mosquitoes, and other insects, completed
+the grand refrain. Until far into the night, laughter
+and rejoicing reigned triumphant. What Tiny
+did for Squirreltown in after years is more than
+any boy or girl could imagine.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub-->
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2>
+
+<p>Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p>
+
+<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in
+the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors
+have been corrected.</p>
+
+<p>Captions were added for text included in illustrations as follows:</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Ref_iv">p. iv</a>: COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY LAIRD &amp; LEE, Inc.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Ref_94">p. 94</a>: POETRY</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Ref_100">p. 100</a>: PANTRY</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 461px;">
+<img src="images/i_back.jpg" width="461" height="650" alt="Back cover" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Squirrel's Pilgrim's Progress, by 
+J. D. Williams
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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author	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-02-07 16:13:35 -0800
committer	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-02-07 16:13:35 -0800
commit	fb67d6a75d8c84f00688954eac36a58f1ca8d28d (patch)
tree	15eda5f7323463b90a5e98f9426b46a1861aec7f