“I want to get home,” sobbed Tiny.
“I will see that your wish is granted,” said the owl, more kindly. “What else do you wish?”
“I wish to grow up to be a useful squirrel. I want to make my mother and everybody else happy.”
The owl asked him what more he desired.
“That is all,” was the reply.
“Then do as I say,” commanded the owl. “Before you can become truly wise, you must learn the lessons of patience and industry, and, as you struggle, you must sing the song of contentment. I am a wise prophet, and I will see that your wishes are fulfilled.
“To-night you must sleep out in one of those hazel bushes. Be sure to hide yourself, for sometimes I fly about while asleep. In that case perhaps I might eat you without knowing it. To-morrow at dawn, follow the path that leads to the brook. Then turn to your right. If you should turn to your left, you would soon find yourself in Big Bear City. Keep your eyes wide open, and when you least expect it, you will be taught the lesson of patience.
“Follow the footpath till you come to a lovely dell, where a fairy princess will teach you the lesson of industry and the value of doing good to others. She probably can show you the way to Squirreltown, for she knows all about geography. But, ere you reach home, you will have two dreadful encounters. A four-legged giant with hundreds of darts will rush upon you when you least expect it. Do not be frightened. Be calm and cautious. Lie close to the ground so that his darts will pass above you, should he throw them at you. Seize one of his darts, jab him; he will then run away.
“Soon you will find yourself in the heart of a jungle that almost all tame beasts fear to enter. Another giant, a big black one, will try to hurt you. However, you will be protected. Do as I command, or you will never get back home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Owl,” said Tiny, willing to endure any hardship if he could only see his mother again. “Should you come to Squirreltown, the Mayor will tell you where to find me. He is stopping at the Beech Tree Inn.”