“What is the matter, Gray Squirrel?” asked Father Thrift.
“Oh, Father Thrift,” sobbed Little Gray Squirrel, “let me tell you what some bad boys did to me!
“I live in the big old oak tree near the edge of the forest. I have a nest in the old tree’s trunk. There I live with my baby squirrels. There, too, I have gathered and stored nuts for food.
“And now some boys have stolen all my nuts!
“Soon the cold days of winter will come. Then what shall I do for food for my babies and myself?”
And the poor little squirrel cried until he almost choked, and fresh tears ran down his cheeks.
Father Thrift looked angry. He said: “This is very bad. I am sorry to hear all this, good Gray Squirrel. While I cannot give you back the nuts which the boys stole, I think I can send some one to help you gather more.
“There are still some nuts on the ground, and we’ll help you to find them.”