“If I prove that I discovered the burrow first, and was down here before either Billy or Washer, is it my home?” Groundy asked, turning to Bumper.
“Yes, that’s only fair. It’s the law of the woods, and Billy and Washer should agree to it. You will, won’t you?”
He turned and addressed the two sulking animals.
“Yes, I will,” Billy assented after a pause.
“I too,” said Washer, “but he’s got to prove it, and not make up a story.”
“I’ll prove it,” smiled Groundy. “I don’t have to make up any story. Billy, look in the corner there and tell me what’s under those leaves.”
Billy wondering what he meant by this remark obeyed. There was a big ball of leaves at the bottom that he hadn’t noticed there before, and when he pawed around in them there was a little squeak, and up popped the heads of three little woodchucks. They were the children of Groundy, which he and Mrs. Groundy had brought from their old home safely across the river. They were stowed away snugly in the hole, and had been fast asleep.
“Well, how’d they get down here?” gasped Billy.
“I brought them here hours ago,” replied Groundy. “That’s my evidence that I was here before either you or Washer.”
Washer laughed good-naturedly. “I guess you’ve proved your point, Groundy, and I for one will leave. I couldn’t drive out those dear little woodchucks.”