“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.