Tommy knew then what had happened. Maybe you have guessed, too. For it
was Mr. Grouse himself. He had burrowed his way into the snow, so that
he might have a warm blanket to cover him during the night. And Tommy
Fox had stepped squarely on top of him.

It was no wonder Mr. Grouse had sprung up in a hurry. He was just as
frightened as Tommy himself, because he had been sound asleep, and he
had no idea what was the matter.

As for Tommy Fox, it was a huge joke on him. But it was a joke that
didn't please Tommy at all. He felt very silly, when it was all over.




XXI

THE BIGGEST SURPRISE OF ALL


It was a pretty big surprise for Tommy Fox, when Mr. Grouse sprang out
of the snow, right beneath his feet. But it was nothing at all,
compared with the surprise Tommy had when he reached home.

Very late at night Tommy stole into his mother's house. In fact, it
was nearly morning. And Tommy crept in very quietly, for he hardly
expected that his mother would be awake and he did not want to disturb
her.