Perhaps Limpy-toes will make us a sled and some skates."

"Don't worry, Granny," said Mother Gray-mouse cheerily. "Grand-daddy and
Hezekiah will take care of us. After the storm, they can tramp to the
store on the frozen crust and fetch some cheese, matches and sugar.
By-and-by, the ground will be bare and they can pull our furniture cart
home. Debbie likes winter in the country. I shall enjoy staying a little
longer."

There was a scraping sound outside the door.

"Pa Field-Mouse and Nimble-toes have tunnelled under the snow!" exclaimed
Aunt Squeaky. "Now we can visit Debby. It is nice to have neighbors in the
Cosy Retreat."

"A bad storm, Hezekiah," greeted Pa Field-Mouse. "Guess you'll stay with
us a spell longer, Dr. Whiskers."

"Ma sent this thistle-down," said Nimble-toes. "She says it will make warm
beds for you."

"Very kind of Debby, I'm sure," said Uncle Squeaky. "We'll be very fine in
our downy beds. I will ask Lady Spider to spin us some silk draperies for
the windows, Granny. She will do anything we ask. The woodland folk all
love Dr. Whiskers. And no wonder. Never a bit of reward has he taken for
all the wonderful cures he has made. We'll have a jolly winter, if we must
stay. I think it will be grand. Something new in our lives, Granny."

Granny shook her head dolefully.