little pine tree where Sammy and Bobby were hiding.

"They are going to cut down this tree," whispered Sammy. "What shall
we do? What shall we do?"

But the man did not cut down the tree.

He looked at it and said, "That is too large for our Christmas tree.

"We must find one that is much smaller."

So the man and the two children went along the path into the woods.

And before long the sound of the axe rang out through the stillness.

"I never was so frightened in my life," said Sammy. "I thought they
were going to cut down this tree."

"I thought so, too," said Bobby. "But I was not frightened. I could
jump to that next tree. It is not very far."

"I know that," said Sammy. "But I have a store-house in this tree."

"Where is it?" asked Bobby. "I wish you would show it to me. I am as
hungry as a bear."

"So am I," said Sammy. "Let's have dinner now."

"We will call it a Christmas dinner. The children said this would make
a good Christmas tree," said Bobby.