HOW THE GRASS GREW 25 



swers me truly 4 this way or that.' If I do not 

 tree the cat or find the rabbit burrow, it is sure 

 to be because you call me back. 



" The Tree Man told you that in Whyland each 

 one heard what he wished to hear the most, so you 

 hear tho grass say a great many whys, but I hear 

 Catssiud Rabbits." 



" Get up, you lazy Waddles, and see if we can 

 find the little trees that do not like to be trodden 

 on. Yes, here is one, I am sure ; only you have 

 broken it almost off. I wonder what it would 

 have grown to be." 



" An Oak tree," said a vigorous little voice ; 

 " a white Oak like the big one overhead." 



Tommy-Anne, looking intently, saw many ten- 

 der, pinkish green sprouts coming from the ground, 

 each with a few long, wave-edged leaves along 

 its stems. One of them was stretching his leaves 

 and talking. 



"Tell me," she asked, "how did you grow so 

 much quicker than the grass ? You look very 

 strong and juicy." 



"With pleasure, Tommy-Anne," it replied. 

 " Pull up the broken sprout, and I will endeavour 

 to explain." 



She drew herself together quite unconsciously, 

 and pulling up the broken tree, held it in her 



