[CHAPTER IX]

AUTUMN LEAVES

"I'm going after chestnuts tomorrow, Mammy," said Buster one autumn evening.

"We have had a good frost. I think the burrs have cracked open, Buster," grinned Uncle Squeaky.

"I like to roast chestnuts in the winter," lisped Tiny.

"I like to roast chestnuts," echoed Teenty, "and I like to pop corn."

"Those wild grapes you fetched home made delicious jelly," said Mother Graymouse.

"There are red berries dangling from a prickly bush. Shall I fetch some home, Mammy?"

"Barberries," guessed Granny. "There is no better sauce made. Fetch a basketful, Buster."

"Barberry sauce is full of pegs," complained Grand-daddy. "Grape jelly is my favorite sauce."