I 8 THE NUTCRACKERS OF NUTCRACKER LODGE. 



then grumbles at her, I don't believe much in his fine feel- 

 ings. Why don't he set himself about something ? I 'm 

 going to tell my fine young gentleman, that, if he does n't 

 behave himself, I '11 tumble him out of the nest, neck and 

 crop, and see if hunger won't do something towards bring- 

 ing down his fine airs." 



But then Mrs. Nutcracker fell on her husband's neck 

 with both paws, and wept, and besought him so piteously 

 to. have patience with her darling, that old Nutcracker, 

 who was himself a soft-hearted old squirrel, was prevailed 

 upon to put up with the airs and graces of his young scape- 

 grace a little longer; and secretly in his silly old heart 

 he revolved the question whether possibly it might not 

 be that a great genius was actually to come of his house- 

 hold. 



The Nutcrackers belonged to the old established race of 

 the Grays, but they were sociable, friendly people, and kept 

 on the best of terms with all branches of the Nutcracker 

 family. The Chipmunks of Chipmunk Hollow were a very 

 lively, cheerful, sociable race, and on the very best of terms 

 with the Nutcracker Grays. Young Tip Chipmunk, the 

 oldest son, was in all respects a perfect contrast to Master 

 Featherhead. He was always lively and cheerful, and so 

 very alert in providing for the family, that old Mr. and 

 Mrs. Chipmunk had very little care, but could sit sociably 

 at the door of their hole and chat with neighbors, quite 



