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?"

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.