But all at once, down slammed the lid, and there I was, a prisoner
for the night! Well, the meal made a soft bed and I slept nicely.
This morning, Norah opened the grain chest and I sprang out so
swiftly that she hardly saw me. I had a narrow escape from old Thomas
Cat, but here I am, safe and sound. Please, Mammy, may I have some
more porridge?"


CHAPTER VI

BUSTER AND THE CHOCOLATES

It was a hot summer day. Mother Graymouse had taken her children out
for a stroll in the fields. Only Buster remained at home. He had been
naughty and was punished by being left behind.

"I'd rather lie here and read my picture book than trot around in the
hot sunshine," he thought. "If only I had some candy, I would be
quite happy."

After he had looked at all the pictures and read one of the shortest
stories, he shut the book and began to sing softly to himself.

By-and-by he grew restless. "Oh, dear, I'm not one bit sleepy. I
can't take another nap. I wish I had some candy. I wonder--"

Then he pushed Baby Squealer's high-chair over to the cupboard and
climbed up until he could reach the shelf where Silver Ears had put
the Christmas candy. It was gone; every single piece.