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.