it?"

Down behind an old trunk was a pair of old boots that Mr. Giant had
brought to the attic. They were rather musty and dusty, but Buster
decided it would be quite safe to hide his candy in one of them. So
he trotted back and forth until half of the chocolates were stored
away in the toe of a boot.

"I guess I can eat the rest before Mammy comes, for I'm real hungry
for candy," thought Buster. He lay down on his little bed and
snuggled cosily among the pillows with his book and candy.

"Just like Ruth Giant," he thought proudly, as he nibbled a
chocolate. "It is almost as good as having a birthday party of my
own. And it is much nicer than tramping around out of doors, if Mammy
does call it a picnic."

When Mother Graymouse returned, the children were all eager to tell
Buster about their good time in the fields.

"We went down the lane," said Silver Ears, "and found lots of sweet
wild flowers."

"And we met Mr. Hop Toad and his wife out for a stroll," added
Limpy-toes. "Yes, and we saw Pete and Dickie Grasshopper, and Madame
Butterfly, also."

"We had our lunch in a lovely grove of ferns," piped Tiny's shrill
little voice.