MY WOODLAND INTIMATES 



superlatively active and energetic, she demands 

 almost incessant and vigorous action from those 

 under her control ; and whether it suits Rufus or 

 not, he must be up and doing at her command. I 

 have often watched the funny little couple chas- 

 ing each other around the tree-trunks till they 

 looked like revolving red belts instead of quad- 

 rupeds, or springing through the branches at a 

 rate that could hardly be surpassed by the flying 

 members of their family. After a prolonged ex- 

 ercise of this kind even the vigorous Madame 

 Jolie-Queue is obliged to halt for breath, and 

 Rufus gratefully taking advantage of the respite 

 granted him stretches himself out on a hori- 

 zontal branch and allows his little legs to hang in 

 the abandon of relaxation. But while his sides 

 are still palpitating from the violence of his re- 

 cent exertions Madame Jolie-Queue compels him 

 to gather himself together for renewed action. 

 I have even seen her slap his face playfully 

 when he seemed inclined to hesitate about obey- 

 ing. 



This remarkable little lady is a very thrifty 

 squirrel ; a creature of expedients evidently. She 

 seems to have an idea of utilizing every available 

 object, and she stows away, for times of emer- 



[74] 



