“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.