[Footnote: The squirrel has many enemies; all the weasel tribe, cats, and
even dogs attack them. Cats kill great numbers of these little animals. The
farmer shows them as little mercy as he does rats and mice, as they are
very destructive, and carry off vast quantities of grain, which they store
in hollow trees for use. Not contenting themselves with one, granary, they
have several in case one should fail, or perhaps become injured by
accidental causes. Thus do these simple little creatures teach us a lesson
of providential care for future events.]

"How wise of these little chitmunks to think of that!" said Lady Mary.

"Nay, my dear child, it is God's wisdom, not theirs. These creatures work
according to his will; and so they always do what is fittest and best for
their own comfort and safety. Man is the only one of God's creatures who
disobeys Him."

These words made Lady Mary look grave, till her nurse began to talk to
her again about the chitmunk.

"It is very easily tamed, and becomes very fond of its master. It will
obey his voice, come at a call or a whistle, sit up and beg, take a nut or
an acorn out of his hand, run up a stick, nestle in his bosom, and become
quite familiar. My uncle had a tame chitmunk that was much attached to
him; it lived in his pocket or bosom; it was his companion by day and by
night. When he was out in the forest lumbering, or on the lake fishing, or
in the fields at work, it was always with him. At meals it sat by the side
of his plate, eating what he gave it; but he did not give it meat, as he
thought that might injure its health. One day he and his pet were in the
steam-boat, going to Toronto. He had been showing off the little