The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter
page 3 of 10 (30%)
page 3 of 10 (30%)
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They also took with them an offering of three fat mice as a present for
Old Brown, and put them down upon his door-step. Then Twinkleberry and the other little squirrels each made a low bow, and said politely-- "Old Mr. Brown, will you favour us with permission to gather nuts upon your island?" [Illustration] But Nutkin was excessively impertinent in his manners. He bobbed up and down like a little red _cherry_, singing-- "Riddle me, riddle me, rot-tot-tote! A little wee man, in a red red coat! A staff in his hand, and a stone in his throat; If you'll tell me this riddle, I'll give you a groat." Now this riddle is as old as the hills; Mr. Brown paid no attention whatever to Nutkin. He shut his eyes obstinately and went to sleep. [Illustration] The squirrels filled their little sacks with nuts, and sailed away home in the evening. [Illustration] |
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