The midsummer days were full of good times. Uncle Squeaky sometimes took
them for a sail upon Pond Lily Lake; they fished from Polly-Wog Bridge and
went splashing about in the water dressed in their bathing-suits. Then
there were merry parties of berry pickers who spent the day in the shady
woods picking blueberries and raspberries for Mother Graymouse and Aunt
Squeaky to preserve.

Buster loved the moonlight evenings when Uncle Squeaky's band, looking
very fine in the gay uniforms, marched along the Lake shore and played the
music which he had written. He was also delighted when they gathered in
the fire-glow around Uncle Squeaky's fireplace and nibbled roasted corn,
baked potatoes, toasted cheese, and other goodies. He could not decide
which was nicer.

Limpy-toes was generous with his automobile. He was busy, for
Grand-daddy's practice was growing larger, and as Limpy-toes was studying
medicine, he often went along with Grand-daddy. But he found time to give
the little mice many jolly rides along the pine-strewn paths and lanes.
Sometimes he allowed Wink or Wiggle to steer and they felt very proud
indeed.

One beautiful moonlit night when Limpy-toes had gone with Dr. Whiskers to
see Mrs. Hop Toad, a wild plan entered Wiggle's mischievous head.

"Let's borrow the automobile without asking Limpy," he whispered to Wink.
"It will be sport to run it all our own selves. This is a dandy evening."

"S'pose something breaks?" objected Wink.

"Huh, you can't hurt the old chug-chug! We'll take turns cranking it.