CHAPTER IV.
Tiny sat for a long time in the top of the tree and looked away as far as his eyes could see. In the distance rose the big yellow moon. It shone brightly upon the treetops of the great forest, yet he could not see Squirreltown.
At last he began to descend slowly, almost frightening to death a tree toad that was hopping about on its little velvet toes among the green branches.
TINY’S BUSHY TAIL STIFFENED WITH FRIGHT.
Tiny’s bushy tail stiffened with fright when he heard a loud, whirring sound and a shrill cry from the branch over his head. Two big yellow eyes glared at him through the dense foliage. They scared him so that he could not scamper away.
“Hoot! hoot!” cried the dreadful creature. “Why are you prowling around my castle at this time of night? Don’t you know that I am a horned owl? I like to eat rabbits, squirrels, and mice.”
“I did not mean to disturb you, sir,” said Tiny politely, although his teeth chattered and his limbs refused to move. “My name is Tiny Redsquirrel. I have lost my way. Can you tell me where to find Squirreltown?”
“I wish I knew where it is,” said the owl, “for it wouldn’t take me long to put an end to it. Come closer that we may have a little chat. I like squirrels.”