Page:A Forest Story (1929).djvu/23

 »Perhaps yes, perhaps no,« said Rabbit. »Four are better than three; three are better than two; two are better than one. We’ll search for her and Quick Feet and Long Tail together.«

The four walked on till they met Hedgehog, who was carrying a great basketful of things. Rabbit spied a bunch of carrots, and at once burst into tears. The animals all stared at him amazed.

»Little Friend Rabbit, why do YOU weep?« they all asked.

»I weep because of my loss,« cried Rabbit. »Yesterday my brother Bunny rooted carrots with me in the garden, but to-day I root carrots alone. He went out before me this morning, and I forgot all about him, for I was on my way to Hare’s to see what he wanted of me. When I saw those carrots, I remembered that he left early. I know Fox has eaten him by this time.«

»Perhaps yes, perhaps no,« chuckled Hedgehog. »Five are better than four; four are better than three; three are better than two; two are better than one. Let’s search for them all together. But first, let’s stop in and see Hare a minute. It’s his birthday, and I’ve some fine presents for him.«

The animals dried their eyes, and Hedgehog went on: »Rabbit, just take this cabbage. Mouse, you gather some four-leaf clovers to wish him good luck. Squirrel, you bring a nice bouquet of cyclamens and poppies. Badger, bring a lettuce from my garden. I’ve this big bunch of carrots. We’ll congratulate Hare first, give him our fine gifts, and then ask him about our lost friends. Come.«

When they neared the brier patch, there they saw Hare sitting before his door, smoking sweetgrass. Little Friend Mouse was the first to greet him, and he looked so friendly she burst out crying as she handed him the four-leaf clovers.

»Take these for luck,« she cried. »May you never be eaten up by Owl as Sister Long Tail was this morning, when I was too lazy to hurry out with her.«

»Oh, good Friend Hare,« wept Squirrel, »take these flowers with my best wishes, and may you never have to gather more in memory of some loved one, as I must do this very day for Sister Quick Feet who has been eaten up by Buzzard, and all because I stole her nuts last night.«

»Here’s a lettuce, green and tender,« sniffed clumsy Badger. »And may you live to share many with Lady Hare, as I may never again hope to share one with Lady Badger, who has been eaten by Wolf, and all because I wouldn’t share green twigs with her yesterday.«

Then up stepped poor little Rabbit, trying to be brave, but sniffing for all that. »Nice Uncle Hare,« he said, »here’s a wonderful cabbage for your birthday, and may you divide it with all my little cousins as I may never divide one with my brother. He has been eaten by Fox, I know, and I never even missed