both the tree and the fern-screened archway 

 among the rocks by simply turning my head. 



At twilight there were sudden scratchings 

 in the hollow tree, mounting higher and 

 higher; then muffled grunts and whinings 

 and expostulations, as if little voices inside 

 the tree were saying: My turn first. No, 

 mine ! E-e-e-e-ahh, get out ! The whinings 

 stopped abruptly and a face appeared in the 

 dark knot hole a sharp, pointed face with 

 alert ears and bright eyes that looked out 

 keenly over the still woods where only shad- 

 ows were creeping about and only a wild 

 duck disturbed the silence, quacking softly 

 to her brood in the little pond. Then the 

 whining began again in the hollow tree, and 

 four other little faces pushed their sharp 

 noses into the knot hole, filling it completely, 

 all watching and listening, and wiggling their 

 chins down on their fellows' heads so as to 

 get a better view point, yet all eager as 

 children to be out and at play after their 

 long sleep. 



One impatient little fellow clawed his way 

 upon his mother's back and thrust his face 



