"I think we little ones ought to have a story all to ourselves now," said one of the smaller lads, as they gathered round the fire with unabated interest.
"So do I, and I've got a little tale that will just suit you, I fancy. The older boys and girls can go and play games if they don't care to hear," answered Aunt Elinor, producing the well-worn portfolio.
"Thanks, we will try a bit, and if it is very namby pamby we can run," said Geoff, catching sight of the name of the first chapter. Aunt Elinor smiled and began to read about
THE LITTLE HOUSE IN THE GARDEN
I. Bears.
A brown bear was the first tenant; in fact, it was built for him, and this is the way it happened:—
A man and his wife were driving through the woods up among the mountains, and hearing a queer sound looked about them till they spied two baby bears in a tree.
"Those must be the cubs of the old bear that was killed last week," said Mr. Hitchcock, much interested all at once.
"Poor little things! how will they get on without their mother? They look half scared to death, and cry like real babies," said the kind woman.
"They will starve if we don't take care of them. I'll shake them down; you catch them in your shawl and we'll see what we can do for them."