his young scapegrace 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 household.

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 neighbours, quite sure that Tip would bring everything
out right for them, and have plenty laid up for winter.

Now Featherhead took it upon him, for some reason or other, to look
down upon Tip Chipmunk, and on every occasion to disparage him in the
social circle, as a very common kind of squirrel, with whom it would
be best not to associate too freely.

"My dear," said Mrs. Nutcracker one day, when he was expressing these
ideas, "it seems to me that you are too hard on poor Tip; he is a
most excellent son and brother, and I wish you would be civil to
him."

"Oh, I don't doubt that Tip is GOOD enough," said Featherhead
carelessly; "but then he is so very common! he hasn't an idea in his
skull above his nuts and his hole. He is good-natured enough, to be
sure,--these very ordinary people often are good-natured,--but he