sat under the laurel bushes to rest and talk it over.

"How did the fire start?" asked Uncle Squeaky.

"One of those Skunk kids was trying to smoke a grape-vine cigarette,"
piped Tony Spider. "I saw him."

"Where did he get matches?" demanded Uncle Squeaky.

"Prob'ly he stole 'em," sputtered Mistress Grasshopper. "I should think
Dinah Skunk would wallop those little Skunks forty times a day. They are a
mean crowd."

"And poor Debbie Field-Mouse's home is in ruins, all because of little
Skunk's cigarette. Sniff! sniff! sniff!" cried Mother Graymouse.

"A Lake full of water and no way to put out a fire," scolded Aunt Squeaky.
"I guess likely, Hezekiah, I shall worry some more about smoke. Let me
catch a kiddie smoking cigarettes!"

"Poor Debbie! I'm so sorry for you, dearie," moaned Granny Whiskers.

Debby Field-Mouse smiled calmly.

"Ah, Granny, it might be worse. I have lost eight children in an
earthquake; I have been caught out in a blizzard and nigh frozen to death.
No one is hurt and we saved a few things. Maybe we can build a finer
house."

"Right you are, Debby Field-Mouse, and brave, also!" cried Uncle Squeaky