Father Thrift and His Animal Friends

by Joseph C. Sindelar

Little Gray Squirrel thanked Father Thrift for his kind words. Then he dried his tears and started for home.

And the queer little old man sat watching the bushy tail as it whisked down the crooked path and out of sight.

Then all of a sudden he heard a sharp “Tap-tap-tap!”

Without even looking up Father Thrift knew who it was. “A friend in need,” he said to himself.

Then he called to the woodpecker that was doing the knocking. “I wish to talk with you,” he said.

Woodpecker flew down, and Father Thrift told him all about Little Gray Squirrel.

“Oh, we will help him gather a fresh store of nuts,” said Mr. Woodpecker. “Indeed, we will help!” And he flew away.

Within a very short time a whole flock of woodpeckers was flying toward Little Gray Squirrel’s home.

Soon Little Gray Squirrel’s troubles were over, for the woodpeckers filled his winter storeroom full of the choicest nuts. Now he was sure of having plenty to eat all winter for himself and his family. And how thankful he was!