So in and out among the little meadow people skips Striped Chipmunk all the long day, and not one has found out where he lives. But no one really cares excepting Peter Rabbit, who is still curious.
XIV
JERRY MUSKRAT'S NEW HOUSE
Jerry Muskrat wouldn't play. Billy Mink had tried to get him to. Little Joe Otter had tried to get him to. The Merry Little Breezes had tried to get him to. It was of no use, no use at all. Jerry Muskrat wouldn't play.
"Come on, Jerry, come on play with us," they begged all together.
But Jerry shook his head. "Can't," said he.
"Why not? Won't your mother let you?" demanded Billy Mink, making a long dive into the Smiling Pool. He was up again in time to hear Jerry reply:
"Yes, my mother will let me. It isn't that. It's because we are going to have a long winter and a cold winter and I must prepare for it."
Every one laughed, every one except Grandfather Frog, who sat on his big green lily-pad watching for foolish green flies.