When Bunny was warm and rested, Mrs. Squirrel sent her little ones to bed.
Then she and Mr. Squirrel began to try to find out what had happened to make their poor neighbor so forlorn.
“How could I help it?” he cried mournfully. “I did not know that it would be so cold, nor that the snow would be so deep that I should not be able to get a bit of winter cabbage to eat.
“I am sure I am willing to work. I would take any trouble, but it is not a bit of use. Indeed, Neighbor Squirrel, I do not see how you have managed.”
And he looked enviously around the neat, warm little nest.
“It was very simple,” replied Mr. Squirrel, gravely. “We all helped and put away part of everything we found. If we found six nuts, we put away at least three in our storeroom. And nuts and acorns were very plentiful this autumn.
“So, though the winter is very hard, we shall have plenty. We have plenty for a friend, too. So eat as much as you will, neighbor, and don’t spare the loaf.”
It was very kind of Mr. Squirrel, but he could not help the poor rabbit much.
Bunny had been such an idle, wandering fellow that he could not be content to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel quietly and help to do the work of their little home. So in a few days he wandered away.