“That’s the way to do it!” cried Mrs. Squirrel, as she saw Slicko sailing down through the air toward the limb on which was perched Mr. Squirrel.
“Don’t be afraid. You’ll get down all right!” called Mr. Squirrel.
Slicko fluffed out her tail as wide as she could. She felt that it was her tail which would save her from landing too hard and hurting her paws. Nearer and nearer she came to the limb on which was her papa.
“Here you are!” cried Mr. Squirrel, a moment later, and with a little shaking up, Slicko found herself safely beside her dear papa.
“Wasn’t that nice?” asked Mr. Squirrel, moving over close beside his little girl.
“Oh, indeed it was,” said Slicko, breathing a little faster than usual, for this was her first jump, you see.
“Now, Chatter, Fluffy and Nutto! It’s your turns!” said Mrs. Squirrel. “See, Slicko made a good jump, and you can each do the same. Come on.”
“Yes, do!” said Mr. Squirrel. “You really must learn to jump, and then I’ll tell you why.”
“Oh, is it a secret?” asked Chatter, the other little girl squirrel. She was a sister to Slicko.
“Yes, it’s a secret,” answered Mrs. Squirrel.