Before the nuts were fully ripe, the squirrels would climb the trees, gnaw the stems, and drop the nuts to the ground.
Then they would scamper down and gather them into neat piles. They would eat some of the new nuts for breakfast, and put the rest away in the granaries.
They worked hard all the summer and autumn, getting food for the winter. And never a thing was wasted in Mr. Squirrel’s house.
On this cold winter’s night Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel and the three little squirrels sat warm and snug in their home in the old oak tree. Suddenly there came a tiny tap at the door.
It might have been the wind. Mrs. Squirrel was not sure. She listened. The sound came again. Yes, some one certainly was knocking at their door.
Who could it be, this bitter cold night?
Mr. Squirrel got up and opened the door. At first he saw no one.
“Who’s there?” he called, in his pleasant, cheery voice.