live in it, and get the hoards of grain, and nuts, and acorns, that their
father and mother had been laying up for winter stores.

Moreover, the wily black squirrel had privately told them that their
father and mother intended to turn them out of the nest very soon, and
make provision for a new family. This indeed was really the case; for as
soon as young animals can provide for themselves, their parents turn them
off, and care no more for them. Very different, indeed, is this from our
parents; for they love and cherish us as long as they live, and afford us
a home and shelter as long as we need it.

Every hour these little grey squirrels grew more and more impatient to
leave the lonely little rocky island, though it was a pretty spot, and the
place of their birth; but they were now eager to go abroad and seek their
fortunes.

"Let us keep our own counsel," said Nimble-foot to his sisters Velvet-paw
and Silver-nose, "or we may chance to get our tails pulled; but be all
ready for a start by early dawn to-morrow."

Velvet-paw and Silver-nose said they would be up before sunrise, as they
should have a long voyage down the lake, and agreed to rest on Pine Island
near the opening of Clear Lake. "And then take to the shore and travel
through the woods, where, no doubt, we shall have a pleasant time," said
Nimble-foot, who was the most hopeful of the party.

The sun was scarcely yet risen over the fringe of dark pines that skirted
the shores of the lake, and a soft creamy mist hung on the surface of the
still waters, which were unruffled by the slightest breeze. The little grey
squirrels awoke, and looked sleepily out from the leafy screen that shaded