"And if I might venture to speak of myself, I may mention that I am not unfavorable to honey."
"Oh you cunning rascal," cried the parrot.
"Hush," said the white pony, putting back her ears, "hush, hush."
And Robin laughed.
CHAPTER V.
THE ADVICE OF THE SUBTLE SNAKE.
Two weeks passed, the class had worked hard, and even Black Ribbon had pulled up wonderfully, but Silver Ribbon had the highest number of marks. The time for prize-giving, however, had not come, but the pupils were to get a rest for two or three days before going through a special examination, which would last half a day. When this was over the prizes would be given, and then there would be the glorious holidays, with excursions far into the forest.
Meantime Silver Ribbon got the preliminary silver medal attached to her neck. The other pupils crowded around her, congratulated her, and kissed her. Black Ribbon took her hand in his, and in a simple boyish way promised her a nut. Then they all carried her home shoulder high, singing and dancing merrily. Her mother, a kind, thin, old squirrel, with soft, black, melting eyes, was quite excited as she received her victorious daughter with a good big hug and many kisses. But her father, who was a stout, gruff-toned squirrel, though not unkind, was suspicious.
"I can't understand," said he, "why a girl that never does anything but play—never studies at home—should be the very head of a class of clever boys and girls. There is no special gift in our family to explain it: I fear there is something wrong."