The mild air found its way into the nest where the six little brown balls lay side by side, till at first one, then another, then all six slowly unrolled themselves, stretched their little paws, unclosed their eyes, and began to look about them.
"Time for our first winter dinner," said Mrs. Dormouse sleepily; "it's all ready over there in the corner under the oak leaves. Help yourselves my dears, eat as much as you can; you'll sleep all the better for it. And don't be long about it; it's as much as I can do to keep my eyes open."
Mr. Dormouse and the others followed her advice. For a few minutes nothing was heard but the little nibbling and cracking sounds which told that a raid had been made on the winter stores.
"Good-night again, my dears," said Papa, who was still sleepier than Mamma.
"Good-night" was repeated in various tones, but one little voice interrupted—it was that of Fuzz.
"I'm not sleepy, Papa and Mamma; I'm not a bit sleepy. I'm sure it's time to wake up, and that the summer's come back again. Brown-ears, Snip and Peepy, won't you come out with me? Papa and Mamma can sleep a little longer if they like."
"Nonsense," Mrs. Dormouse said sleepily.
And "Nonsense, brother," repeated the others, "don't disturb us."
But Fuzz was obstinate and sure he knew best.