256 Trails to Woods and Waters 



Jay, and they are all making fun of 

 me/ 



' ' I am sorry, Red Squirrel,' said the wood 

 nymph in such a sweet voice that Red Squir- 

 rel at once felt better. ' It is very impolite 

 of them to put on airs about graces that I 

 gave them. I shall have to speak to them 

 about it. But you are really quite as pretty 

 as they are in your way. Why, don't you 

 see, Mr. Squirrel, you have four legs, and 

 they have but two? You are much better 

 off in that respect.' 



" ' That is so,' replied Red Squirrel rather 

 proudly, and he gave a great jump just to 

 show how nimble his legs were. ' If I only 

 had a beautiful tail like a peacock I think I 

 would be perfectly happy.' 



" ' The peacock's tail would not do for you 

 at all,' said the wood nymph, ' but I will make 

 yours over and it shall be your flag that you 

 can wave defiantly at Wood Thrush and Blue 

 Jay whenever they tell you you are not 

 beautiful.' 



" So Mr. Red Squirrel hopped upon the 



