 Chapter 1. A Queer Old Person There was a queer old person that lived in Farmer Green's garden. Nobody knew exactly how long he had made his home there, because his neighbours seldom saw him. He might have been in the garden a whole summer before anybody set eyes on him. Those that were acquainted with him called him Grandfather Mole, and the reason why his friends didn't meet him oftener was because he spent most of his time underground. Grandfather Mole's house was in a mound at one end of the garden. He had made the house himself, for he was a great digger. And Mr Meadow Mouse often remarked that it had more halls than any other dwelling he had ever seen. He had visited it when Grandfather Mole was away from home, so he knew what it was like. Some of those halls that Mr Meadow Mouse mentioned ran right out beneath the surface of the garden. Grandfather Mole had dug them for a certain purpose. Through them he made his way in the darkness whenever he was hungry, which was most of the time, for he had a huge appetite. And when he took an underground stroll, he was almost sure to find a few angle worms, which furnished most of his meals. To be sure, he did not despise a grub if he happened to make one, nor a cut worm, nor a wire worm. The wonder of it was that Grandfather Mole ever found anything to eat, for the old gentleman was all but blind. The only good Grandfather Mole's eyes did him was to let him tell darkness from light. They were so small that his neighbours claimed he hadn't any at all. Another odd thing about this odd person was his ears. The neighbours said they couldn't see them either, but they were in his head, even if they didn't show. And Grandfather Mole himself sometimes remarked that he didn't know how he could have burrowed as he did if he had been forever getting dirt in his eyes and ears. He seemed quite satisfied to be, just as he was. And he used to say that he didn't know what good eyes were to anyone, whether he was under the ground or on top of it. Liking to dig, as he did, he certainly had nothing to complain about. His long nose was as good as a drill. And his front legs were just long enough so that he could reach his large spade-like feet beyond his nose and throw the dirt back. His fur lay in one direction as easily as in another, never troubling him in the least when he was boring his way through the dry, loose soil of Farmer Green's garden. So, in spite of what might seem great drawbacks to others, Grandfather Mole was contented with his lot. The only thing he was ever known to grumble about was the scarcity of angle worms. Everybody knew the cat at Farmer Green's to be a great hunter. She had long since disposed of the last mouse that was so foolish as to venture inside her home. And being very big and not at all timid, she had made such a name for herself in the neighbourhood that even the rats looked on her as a monster to be avoided. Now it often happened that this capable cat turned up her nose at the saucer of milk that Farmer Green's wife set before her with great regularity. And off she would go, sometimes to the barn, sometimes to the farm, to see what she could find that would furnish her both food and a frolic. For she thought a great sport to capture some small creature. She was crossing the garden early one morning on her way to the meadow when she came upon Grandfather Mole and having no pity for him in spite of what she had to do. She thought there was no sense in going any further for her breakfast. She would enjoy it right there in the garden. But first she would play with Grandfather Mole before eating. For she was a pleasure-loving dame. She must have her sport no matter if her breakfast was good or bad. For she was a pleasure-loving dame. She must have her sport no matter if her breakfast waited. Grandfather Mole had blundered that morning, burrowing his way just under the surface of the ground. He had broken through the sun-baked crust of the garden before he knew it. And as he groped about, surprised to find himself in the open, Miss Kitty had pounced upon him. Grandfather Mole struggled to escape and his captor let him go to give herself the pleasure of pouncing upon him again. She knew well enough that he couldn't get away from her. He could run quite spryly for an old gentleman. It is true. But when he couldn't see where he was going, of what use was running. Farmer Green's cat didn't know the answer to that question herself. She captured and freed Grandfather Mole several times. And to tell the truth, she couldn't help wishing he could see, so he could make the game livelier. But she was the sort of cat that believes in making the best of things. And she kept pretending that Grandfather Mole almost got away from her. She would let him run about for a few moments and then she would leap upon him as if she had nearly lost him. It was great fun for the cat. But Grandfather Mole did not enjoy it in the least. He thought such treatment far from neighbourly and he quite agreed with old Mr Crow, who had come hurrying up to see what was going on. Give him a chance, give him a chance, Mr Crow called to the cat as he glared down at her from a tree close by. The cat had been about to spring at Grandfather Mole again when Mr Crow spoke to her. It was only natural that she should pause and turn her head. And she looked at Mr Crow none too pleasantly. I'll thank you to mind your own affairs, she said, and her voice was not nearly so polite as her words. No gentleman would interrupt the lady at her breakfast, she added. Something seemed to amuse Mr Crow, for he laughed loudly. The cat didn't know what he was laughing at and after staring at him a few moments longer, she turned her head to look at Grandfather Mole. It wasn't more than 10 seconds since she had taken her eyes off him. The Grandfather Mole had finished. CHAPTER III. A BREAKFAST LOST When Farmer Green's cat looked around and discovered that Grandfather Mole had disappeared from the garden, a puzzled look came over her face. She couldn't think where he had gone in just a few seconds. But she knew then why Mr Crow had laughed and she was not pleased. Where is he? She asked Mr Crow. You interrupted me at my breakfast and now I've lost it. Mr Crow was rocking back and forth on his perch, for a joke on anybody except himself always delighted him. Grandfather Mole is right here in the garden, he declared. Then he must have hidden beneath a vegetable the cat observed. I shouldn't say that exactly, Mr Crow replied. How far away is he, the cat demanded. That would be hard to tell, Mr Crow answered. Farmer Green's cat had never liked Mr Crow for no particular reason and now she certainly had a very special reason for being angry with him. It's all your fault, she scolded. If you hadn't spoke to me, I'd never have taken my eyes off Grandfather Mole. The least you can do, she added, is to tell me this instant where Grandfather Mole is. I've already told you, Mr Crow reminded her. He's here in the garden, find him if you can. At that Farmer Green's cat began to run up and down between the rows of vegetables, but she had no luck at all, so after a while she came back and told Mr Crow that she didn't believe him. Tut, tut, said Mr Crow, you haven't looked in the right place. I've searched the whole garden, the cat cried. Oh no, Mr Crow exclaimed. You've looked only on top of the ground. If you want to find Grandfather Mole, you must look beneath the surface. The cat was greatly disappointed when she heard that. You don't mean to say that he went into a hole, do you? She asked. I do, Mr Crow declared. I don't see one anywhere, she said. If I had, I'd have been more careful how I let him run about. Ah, said Mr Crow. I see you don't know that Grandfather Mole always carries a hole around with him, wherever he goes. He believes in having one handy in case of sudden need. I didn't see it, the cat told him angrily. Of course not, Mr Crow agreed. How could you see a hole until it's put in a certain place, ready to use? Well, the cat was puzzled. Somehow she couldn't quite understand Mr Crow's remarks. And yet there seemed some sense in them too. But she pretended that she understood because she didn't want him to think she was stupid. And without thanking him for his explanation, for she was still angry. She turned and went off towards the meadow. The whole affair amused Mr Crow greatly. It kept him in a good humour all that day. And he went about telling everybody how Grandfather Mole had dug himself out of sight in the garden, almost under the cat's nose. For that was exactly what had happened. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of The Tale of Grandfather Mole Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 4 A New Way of Taking a Stroll Grandfather Mole was digging a new gallery under the garden, leading out from his house into a field of corn, where he expected to find a good many fine grubs. His work was half done, and he was under the cabbage patch when he found himself in the open air. Farmer Green's hired man's hoe had left a small hollow between two heads of cabbage. And as luck had it, Grandfather's Mole's gallery led straight into it. So the first thing he knew, there he was right out in the light of early morning, and somebody called out in a cheery sort of voice. How'd he do, Grandfather Mole? It's a pleasure to see you, and isn't this a beautiful day? Grandfather Mole knew at once that he had nothing to fear, for he recognized Jimmy Rabbit's voice, and he knew too, without being told, that he was in the cabbage patch. For Jimmy Rabbit could be nowhere else at breakfast time. Good morning, said Grandfather Mole. I hope you are enjoying your breakfast. I am, Jimmy Rabbit answered, and as soon as I've finished this leaf, I'm eating now. I'm going to take a stroll. Won't you join me? I don't care if I do, said Grandfather Mole, meaning that he'd be glad to walk with Jimmy. And in about half a minute, Jimmy Rabbit said he was ready. Very well, Grandfather Mole told him. Let's be on our way. I'll see you at the edge of the duck pond. And to Jimmy Rabbit's amazement, he stuck his nose straight down into the loose dirt, thrust out his strong forefeet, and was out of sight before Jimmy Rabbit could speak. The duck pond was just beyond the garden fence, and since Grandfather Mole had accepted Jimmy's invitation, there was nothing for Jimmy Rabbit to do but to go to the edge of the pond and wait. He grew very restless, for it was a long time before Grandfather Mole appeared, but at last the old gentleman's head came popping up out of the ground, and the owner of the head cried, Here I am, and I'm glad to see you haven't kept me waiting, young man. I dug so fast I was afraid I'd get here before you did. Really, he had made astonishing speed for one who had tunneled his way underground, and being a polite person, Jimmy Rabbit could only tell Grandfather Mole that he had been very quick. And now, where this far, Grandfather Mole remarked, I'd like to stroll over in the meadow if that suits you. Jimmy Rabbit said that it did. There was clover in the meadow, and he had waited so long for Grandfather Mole that he had begun to feel hungry again. A luncheon of clover tops, it would be exactly what he needed. Then let's be on our way. Grandfather Mole cried again. I'll join you on the other side of the duck pond. End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5. At the Tale of Grandfather Mole. Read for Librabox.org. The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey. Chapter 5. Jimmy Rabbit can't wait. After telling Jimmy Rabbit that he would meet him on the other side of the duck pond, Grandfather Mole waded into the water and started to swim across. Why he did that instead of walking around on the shore, Jimmy Rabbit couldn't understand. He was so amazed that he stood still instead at Grandfather Mole. One thing was certain. Grandfather Mole could travel much faster through the water than he could underground. His strong legs and his broad spade-like feet helped to make him a fine swimmer. And Jimmy Rabbit had noticed for the first time that Grandfather Mole's hind feet were webbed. It was no wonder that he felt quite at home in the duck pond, which was made for web-footed folk. Jimmy Rabbit was so interested in watching Grandfather Mole swim that he didn't start to run around the pond until the swimmer had almost reached the other side. Then Jimmy remembered suddenly that he had to meet Grandfather Mole over there. So he raced along the edge of the duck pond at top speed. And since he was a very fast runner for short distances, he met Grandfather Mole just as the old chap was crawling up the bank. There, Grandfather Mole exclaimed, I almost beat you this time, young man. If you're going to take a morning stroll with me, you'll have to step lively. Of course, Jimmy Rabbit was too polite to explain that he had waited a long time while Grandfather Mole was tunneling his way from the garden to the pond and that he hadn't begun to run around the pond until Grandfather Mole had swum almost to cross it. He nearly smiled and replied that he would do his best to keep up for he shouldn't like to make Grandfather Mole wait, especially since he had invited Grandfather Mole to go walking with him. You don't mind staying here in the sunshine, I hope, while my coat dries, Grandfather Mole inquired, as soon as it's dry, we'll start for the meadow. Though Jimmy Rabbit was in a great hurry to reach the place where the clover grew, he said that he would be glad to wait with Grandfather Mole. The sun feels good on this cool morning, he observed, and it's cheerful too. Do you really think so, Grandfather Mole asked him, and when Jimmy Rabbit assured him that he did, Grandfather Mole muttered that it was the strangest thing he ever heard of. As for him, he much preferred the darkness of his cool, damp galleries under the ground, and the only reason why he wanted his coat to dry was so that the dirt wouldn't stick to it. It seemed to Jimmy Rabbit that Grandfather Mole's coat would never get dry enough to suit the old gentleman, but at last he announced that he was ready to stroll on, and when Jimmy Rabbit cried that he was ready too, Grandfather Mole said, then let's be on our way and I'll meet you. Where the clover grows, Jimmy interrupted. Grandfather Mole had already buried his nose in the sand and was fast digging himself out of sight, and Jimmy thought that if he must wait for him again, he would wait in a pleasant place. So Jimmy Rabbit hurried to the meadow, and as he lunged on luscious clover tops, he reflected that Grandfather Mole had a queer notion of taking a stroll with a friend. He made up his mind then and there that he would never again invite Grandfather Mole to walk with him. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of the Tale of Grandfather Mole Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 6 A Hearty Eater A great eater was Grandfather Mole, and having an enormous appetite, he was fortunate in being expert at finding angle worms. To be sure, he had one advantage that the birds, for instance, didn't enjoy. He was able to prowl about his galleries through the ground and find the angle worms right where they lived. He didn't need to wait, as the birds did, until an angle worm stuck his head above ground. Mrs. Jolly Robin had often wished when she was trying to feed a rapidly growing family that she could hunt for angle worms as Grandfather Mole did. And this summer it seemed to her that she never would be able to take proper care of the nestful of children. There was one of her family in particular that was especially greedy. Mrs. Robin had begun to suspect that he was no child of hers, but a young cowbird. When she had finished building her nest, she had discovered a strange-looking egg there. It had been the first to hatch, and now the youngster that came from it was just enough older than the rest of her children to jostle them and to grab the biggest worms for himself. It was no wonder that Mrs. Robin needed help. And seeing Grandfather Mole one morning, she found her difficulty to him, asking if he wouldn't be so kind as to capture angle worms for her. Why, certainly, certainly, said Grandfather Mole. And Mrs. Robin breathed a sigh of relief. She felt that her troubles were ended. Will you begin to help me at once? She asked Grandfather Mole. I'm sorry that I can't do that, he told her. You see, I haven't had my breakfast yet. So, of course, I must catch a few angle worms for myself. Mrs. Robin was a bit disappointed, but she told Grandfather Mole that it was all right, that she knew a person of his age ought not to go without his breakfast. So Grandfather Mole went back into the hole through which he had lately come up, first saying, however, that he would return after he had breakfasted. Mrs. Robin then set to work herself to find what she could feed her clamoring family. Though she hurried as fast as she could, by the time the morning was almost half gone, her children were still hungry. And to Mrs. Robin's distress, Grandfather Mole had not yet showed himself again. Mrs. Robin had been watching for him, and she had about given him up in despair when all at once he rose out of the ground. Good, she cried. Now you can help me, for you must have your breakfast by this time. Yes, I have, said Grandfather Mole. I've just finished. But I always begin my luncheon at this hour. So if you don't mind, I'll go down into my galleries and hunt for a few angle worms. And when I've had a good meal, I'll come back here. Well, what could Mrs. Robin say? She nodded her head, and she hoped, as Grandfather Mole vanished, that perhaps he would eat only a light luncheon. But he never reappeared until mid-afternoon. And since he announced then that he was ready to begin his dinner, Mrs. Jolly Robin saw that she could expect no help from him whatsoever. She was terribly upset, but there was nothing she could do except to tell her husband that he would have to spend all his time catching angle worms for the family. And since he was glad enough to do that, Mrs. Robin managed to feed her children all they needed. Even the young cowbird in her nest had all he wanted. And Mrs. Robin remarked that it was lucky her husband hadn't such a terrible appetite as some peoples, meaning Grandfather Mole's, of course. End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 At the Tale of Grandfather Mole Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 7 Two Worm Eaters There was one special reason, among others, why Grandfather Mole didn't like to show himself above ground in the daytime. This reason was Hawks. And there was something else that made him dislike to appear at night, too. This something else was Owls. But the two Grandfather Mole disliked Hawks the more, because they could see so far, while he, poor old fellow, couldn't even see the end of his own nose, though goodness knows it was long enough. Since Henry Hawke could sit in a great elm far up the road and see him the moment he stuck his head out at the ground, while Grandfather Mole couldn't even see the tree, it was not surprising that Grandfather Mole preferred to stay below while Henry Hawke was awake and on watch. Down in his galleries and chambers, where it was dark as a pocket, Grandfather Mole enjoyed himself thoroughly. It was lucky he was fond of worms and grumps. If he hadn't been, it would be hard to say what he could have found to eat, unless it was dirt. There was plenty of that where he spent his time, but luckily he didn't have to eat it. He did enjoy digging in it, however. So it is easy to see that the way he lived suited him perfectly. Not everyone, of course, would have felt as Grandfather Mole did about angle worms and grumps and dirt or dampness or the dark. Many of his bird neighbours, for instance, liked the same things to eat that he did, but most of them except such odd ones as Solomon Owl and Mr Nighthaw and Willie Whip, Poor Will, loved the bright sunshine. Spending a summer in Pleasant Valley was the small gentleman of the well-known Warbler family, who had so great a liking for worms that he was known as the worm-eating Warbler. This tiny person spent little or none of his time in the tree tops but chose to stay near the ground. And more than once he had seen Grandfather Mole in Farmer Green's garden. He had heard, somehow, of Grandfather Mole's tastes and habits, and he was inclined to believe that it was Grandfather Mole that was to blame for the scarcity of worms in the neighbourhood. He thought that it would be a good thing if somebody could persuade that odd old chap to stay on top of the ground, instead of lurking most of the time down below, where he could catch the worms right where they lived. And one day the worm-eating Warbler spoke to Grandfather Mole when he happened to see him come out of the hole. Why don't you live up here where you can get plenty of fresh air and sunshine? He asked. Don't you know they'd be good for your health? Grandfather Mole turned his head toward the speaker. That was as near as he could come to staring at him. Since he couldn't see him, Grandfather Mole did not like the worm-eating Warbler's remarks in the least. Why don't you, he inquired, why don't you come down into the ground and enjoy the close, damp air and the darkness? They'd be good for your health. I've thrived down below all my life and I'm considerably older than you are, youngso. Grandfather Mole's retort struck the worm-eating Warbler dumb. He could think of nothing more to say. So he flew off and hid in some raspberry bushes and he couldn't help saying to himself what a strange world it was and what strange persons they were in it. End of Chapter Seven Chapter Eight at the tail of Grandfather Mole Read for Librabox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter Eight Losing His Bearings It often happened when Grandfather Mole came up from his home under Farmer Green's garden that he turned straight around and went back again. Sometimes, to be sure, he ran about a bit in a bewildered way before he disappeared. For he never felt at home in the world above and he was always uneasy until he felt the darkness closing in around him. So nobody thought it strange when Grandfather Mole came tumbling up amongst the turnips one day and begun running blindly around the garden, zigzagging in every direction. Nobody that saw him paid much attention to him but at last, Rusty Wren, who had come to the garden to look for worms, noticed that Grandfather Mole was quite upset over something. He didn't seem to have any notion of going back into the ground but kept twisting this way and that with his long nose turning here and turning there in a manner that was unmistakably inquiring. What's the matter? Rusty Wren finally asked him for his curiosity soon got the better of him. But Grandfather Mole didn't appear to hear. Perhaps he didn't want to answer the question. Have you lost something? Rusty Wren cried. But Grandfather Mole never stopped to reply. He never stopped running to and fro and Rusty Wren became more curious than ever. It was plain to him that something unusual was afoot and he wanted to know what it was. Can't I help you? he asked in his shrillest tones flying close to Grandfather Mole and speaking almost in his ear. Only Grandfather Mole had no ears so far as Rusty Wren could see. Can't I help you? Yes you can, Grandfather Mole answered at last. If you wish to help me the pity's sake go away and keep still. I don't want the whole neighbourhood to come running. The cat will be here the first thing to know. Rusty Wren felt sure then that Grandfather Mole was in trouble and if he was worried about Farmer Green's cat why didn't he dig a hole for himself at once and get out of harm's way. Since Rusty Wren didn't know he asked Grandfather Mole in little more than a whisper. But Grandfather Mole only shook his head impatiently to say that digging a hole wouldn't help him this time. Meanwhile some of Rusty's friends had come to see what was going on and talking in low tones so that they wouldn't attract the cat's attention. They agreed with him that there was some mystery about Grandfather Mole but not one of them knew what it could be. He's lost something Rusty Wren declared. There's no doubt at that Jolly Robin chimed in. What can it be? Little Mr Chippy piped in his thin voice. I know Rusty Wren exclaimed abruptly it's his bearings Grandfather Mole has lost his bearings. End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 The Tale of Grandfather Mole Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 9 Good news from below. When Rusty Wren decided that Grandfather Mole had lost his bearings and that that was the reason why he was running about the garden in a most peculiar fashion the rest of the birds began to wonder whether they oughtn't to help Grandfather Mole find them since he was blind. The Wren eating warbler however who was none too friendly towards Grandfather Mole said that he had his doubts as to Grandfather Mole's blindness. If he can find angle worms in the dark he certainly ought to be able to find his bearings in broad daylight he sneered but Rusty Wren pointed out that nobody could see bearings anyhow a remark that puzzled the Wren eating warbler more than a little to tell the truth he had no idea what bearings were and at last he admitted that he didn't know what are bearings anyhow I don't understand what you mean oh I mean that Grandfather Mole has lost his way Rusty Wren explained he doesn't know how to get home the Wren eating warbler asked why Grandfather Mole didn't dig a new hole for himself if he had lost the one he used when he came up in the garden and when he saw that Rusty Wren the Wren eating warbler said he had his doubts as to Rusty Wren's ideas about Grandfather Mole it's my opinion he went on that Grandfather Mole has eaten all the worms that lived in the ground and now he's hoping to find some in the air although everybody laughed at such a notion the Wren eating warbler declared that he had lost his way and when he added that he hadn't seen an angle worm for two days there were a few of his bird companions that began to think perhaps there was some reason in his remarks after all but Rusty Wren declined to change his opinion there's only one way to be sure and that's to ask Grandfather Mole Little Mr Chippy cried Rusty told him Grandfather Mole won't answer any questions that he's in some sort of trouble there's no doubt of that they looked down at Grandfather Mole who was still scurrying frantically about the garden if he heard their talk he did nothing to let them know it and they had begun to think that they would never know his secret the person who looked somewhat like Grandfather Mole thrust her head and shoulders out of a hole in the ground that is Grandfather Mole's daughter I know for I've seen her before and listening sharply the bird people heard her say don't worry Father I've found them Grandfather Mole didn't wait for anything more in which his daughter had appeared he began to dig right where he stood and he was out of sight in short order although the bird people didn't know it he was anxious to reach his grandchildren he had them out for a stroll through his underground galleries and walking behind him they had taken a wrong turn when Grandfather Mole didn't know it after looking for them in vain down below he had feared that they might have found their way into the open air and that was why he was running about in such a distracted fashion end of chapter 9 chapter 10 of the tale of Grandfather Mole read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Mole by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 10 Mrs. Robbins Wish in order to provide enough food for her children as well as for the young cowbird that she was bringing up Mrs. Jolly Robin had to work hard every day though her husband gladly did what he could to help her sometimes about the stranger in their nest our family is certainly big enough without him he often remark we ought to turn him out to shift for himself that Mrs. Robin wouldn't hear of such a thing it's not his fault that his mother left him here in the egg she would remind Jolly Robin if we set him adrift the poor child would starve and the cat got him and then Jolly Robin would feel ashamed that he had even thought of being so cruel to an infant bird even if he was a cowbird so he would set to work harder than ever gathering worms and grubs and bugs and before long he would find himself singing merrily cheerily cheer up because it made him happy to know somebody a good turn once in a while grandfather Maul thrust his head out of the soil of the garden as if he were watching Mr. and Mrs. Robin at their task of course he couldn't see what they were doing but Mrs. Robin said that it gave her a queer turn to have grandfather Maul stick his nose out of the ground and since he was too busy catching anger worms for himself to help her and her husband she wished he would keep out of sight sometimes grandfather Maul would speak to Mrs. Robin or her husband for he could hear them talking and when you hear anybody in a garden exclaiming oh he's a big one like him if I can ever pull him loose you may know at once that the speaker is talking about an anger worm there can be no mistake about it when grandfather Maul overheard Mrs. Robin making such a remark he would quite likely advisor to try a smaller one such a suggestion only made Mrs. Robin pull all the harder grandfather Maul wants all the big ones himself she would splutter as soon as she and her husband were where grandfather Maul couldn't listen to what she said and then probably jolly Robin would laugh and tell her not to mind for there ought to be worms enough for everybody more than once when grandfather Maul had advised her to try a smaller one afterward that she wished she could catch the biggest anger worm in the whole garden just to spite old grandfather Maul and teach him that other people had their rights as well as he well well jolly Robin always exclaimed with a laugh well well perhaps someday you will find the grandfather of all the anger worms and of chapter 10 chapter 11 of the tale of grandfather Maul rent for LibriVox.org the tale of grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 11 surprising grandfather Maul somehow grandfather Maul heard that Mrs. Robin hoped to capture Robin so the very next time he happened to find her at work there he offered her another bit of unsought advice and Mrs. Robin liked it no better than any other of grandfather Maul's councils don't waste your valuable time looking for the biggest anger worm in the garden he told her I've caught him already well for once a very old gentleman but she checked herself in time not by biting her tongue however but by clapping her bill upon a fat bug that was trying to hide under a potato top and away she flew to her nest leaving grandfather Maul to talk to the air if he wished she went off without thinking me he muttered to be sure that he had heard the beat of her wings as she began her flight he didn't know that he had barely escaped a sharp scolding what do you think grandfather Maul has just said to me Mrs. Robin asked her husband whom she found at the nest feeding their children Jolly Robin made three guesses but none of them was right so his wife repeated and as usual Jolly Robin laughed I shouldn't pay any attention to what grandfather Maul says he advised his wife I should keep an eye out for big angle worms if I were you grandfather Maul may be mistaken he may have caught only the second biggest one what her husband said made Mrs. Robin feel better and she declared grandfather Maul yet strange to say the very next day grandfather Maul spoke to Mrs. Robin again and told her that there was no use trying to surprise him so she needed waste her valuable time trying to do it this news made Mrs. Robin quite speechless she couldn't think how grandfather Maul had happened to learn of her remark and had been gossiping with his friends and if that was the case Mrs. Robin didn't mean to let anything of the kind occur again so she went on searching for her children's breakfast and said nothing to anyone about grandfather Maul's latest bit of advice Mrs. Robin worked harder than ever that day it seemed to her husband that she had eyes she paid little attention to him so he couldn't help feeling pleased when she called him toward evening he flew quickly to her side and he saw at once that she needed his help for Mrs. Robin had an end of pinkish white worm in her bill on which she was tugging as hard as she could I think it's the biggest one in the garden but it simply won't come up out of the ground it must be the grandfather of the Maul Jolly Robin cried and laying hold of the worm himself he pulled with her somehow there seemed a great commotion in the loose dirt at their feet as they struggled to get the worm out of its hiding place and at last to their great delight they felt it in a shower of dirt flew into their faces and both Jolly Robin and his wife tumbled over backwood it was no worm that Mrs. Robin had found but grandfather Maul's hairless tail sticking out at the ground together they had dragged him to the surface and if Mrs. Robin hadn't found the grandfather of all angle worms the grandfather Maul and she had given him a surprise too end of chapter 11 chapter 12 at the tail of grandfather Maul read for lubrabox.org the tail of grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 12 Mr. Blackbird's Advice out of the pine woods in Meadow Mr. Blackbird sometimes came to breakfast in Farmer Green's garden he claimed that he came there to look for angle worms but those that knew him best said that he wasn't above taking an egg out of some small bird's nest and some whispered that he had even been known to devour a nestling whenever he visited the garden he told everybody that he should never come there again because grandfather Maul was too greedy Mr. Blackbird said that grandfather Maul didn't leave enough angle worms to make it worth his while to fly across the Meadow and one day when he chanced to meet grandfather Maul he told him that it was a shame the way he was treating Farmer Green Farmer Green is good enough to let you live underneath this garden but instead of showing him that you are grateful you eat all of his angle worms you can grandfather Maul was thunder struck after pondering over Mr. Blackbird's speech for a few moments he raised his head what shall I do he asked in a planted forest I should think of a new leaf Mr. Blackbird told him severely and grandfather Maul promised that he would I'll turn one over today he said if you think it will please Farmer Green there's no doubt that it will Mr. Blackbird assured him in a slightly more amiable tone a hopeful look came into grandfather Maul's face and after thinking for his advice he turned away and burrowed out of sight then Mr. Blackbird selected a good many choice tidbits here and there which he bolted with gusto and after he had eaten what Jolly Robin who had been watching him declared afterwards to have been a hearty meal and big enough for anyone Mr. Blackbird began to sculpt he announced that there wasn't any use that he's looking for anything more to eat in that neighbourhood for there wasn't enough there to keep the mosquito alive and thereupon he flew away nor was anybody sorry to see him go most of the feathered folk agreed that Mr. Blackbird ought not to have spoken as he did to grandfather Maul but Jolly Robin's wife said that she was glad there was somebody with backbone enough to tell grandfather Maul the truth if there were many more like grandfather Maul in the garden we'd all have to spend our summers somewhere else she said or starve Jolly Robin told her that she would find things much the same no matter where she lived or where grandfather Maul or two he asked the company in general and since nobody answered Jolly Robin seemed to think he had silence Mrs. Robin for once but it was not so a garden without an old Maul in it would be just what I'd like she cried well anyhow my dear her husband said please remember a new leaf end of chapter 12 chapter 13 of the tale of grandfather Maul read for LibriVox.org the tale of grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 13 turning over a new leaf several days passed before Mr. Blackbird returned to Farmer Green's garden and when at last he flew across the meadow one morning and perched on the garden fence to take a look around before beginning his breakfast he saw that Mrs. Jolly Robin was making countless trips between the garden and her home early as it was she was hard at work feeding her nestlings how are the pickings this morning Mr. Blackbird called to her I'm finding plenty for my children to eat if that's what you mean Mrs. Robin replied somewhat hortily Mr. Blackbird laughed in the sleeve of his black coat the rascal delighted in using language that did not please Mrs. Robin if the pickings are good then there must be few pickers he remarked with a grin I suppose grandfather Maul has taken my advice and turned over a new leaf I don't know about that said Mrs. Robin anyhow there are plenty of good crawling things stirring up the last night's shower everything seems to be coming up out of the garden this morning she had scarcely finished speaking when grandfather Maul poked his head from beneath a head of lettuce Mr. Blackbird was just about to begin his breakfast but he paused when he saw grandfather Maul hello he cried what brings you to the surface grandfather Maul knew Mr. Blackbird's voice at once I'm glad you're here he exclaimed I want you to tell Farmer Green the news for I know he'll be delighted to hear it then Mr. Blackbird said one gentlemanly thing he winked at Jolly Robin's wife but he was a rowdy so what could you expect of him you've turned over a new leaf have you he asked grandfather Maul yes said grandfather Maul and not only one I've turned over a new one every day since I last saw you and he was glad to know it at least grandfather Maul continued I've turned over the newest leaves I could of course you can't turn over a leaf unless it's big enough to turn over when a leaf is so young that it wraps itself around the main store it's useless to try to turn it over and it's a great waste of time waiting for it to grow but it's easy to turn over a big one suiting his action to his words grandfather Maul stepped up to a loose growing head of lettuce and thrusting his long nose under a dripping leaf he lifted it up and pushed it over as soon as he moved aside a little the leaf promptly righted itself grandfather Maul felt it brush his back as it swept into place again of course he remarked you can't expect a leaf to stay turned over unless you want to stand and hold it in place and that would be a great waste of time especially for one as hungry as I am and poking his drill like a snout into the earth he drew forth a huge angle worm which quickly disappeared down his throat Mr Blackbird choked and not over anything he was eating either he choked because he was angry it's no use he said gloomily to Mrs Robin as soon as he could speak it's no use trying to get grandfather Maul to stop eating angle worms in my opinion he's too old to turn over a new leaf the way I meant you can't teach an old Maul new tricks said Mr Blackbird End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 of the Tale of Grandfather Maul Read for Lubrabox.org The Tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 14 The New Sunshade Grandfather Maul was resting in the shade of a toadstool it was a stifling, sultry day and having come up into the garden on some errand or other Grandfather Maul had found the sunshine upon his back all together too hot for his liking he was thinking how comfortable his own cool dark chambers were and wondering why anybody should prefer to live above ground in the heat when a voice called to him what a fine umbrella you have it must be a handy thing to have in one's family it was Mr Meadow Maul speaking and since Grandfather Maul knew him to be a harmless sort of person he asked him to come over and join him to be sure there's not room enough for two under my sunshade Grandfather Maul said that you can stand just outside it and perhaps the sight of me in the shade may help you to feel cooler even if you are in the sun well Mr Meadow Maul smiled a bit all to himself he knew that Grandfather Maul was odd and being a good natured person and wishing to please Grandfather Maul Mr Meadow Maul joined him what do you think of it now Grandfather Maul demanded of Mr Meadow Maul almost as soon as he had stepped just outside the shade of the toadstool don't you feel cooler already I shouldn't care to stay in the garden a second without this sunshade Mr Meadow Maul wanted to be polite so he replied that perhaps he did feel a bit more comfortable you ought to own one of these said Grandfather Maul I've heard they're not always easy to find Mr Meadow Maul remarked that's true Grandfather agreed you don't um you don't use this one all the time do you Mr Meadow Maul inquired no Grandfather Maul answered not when it rains then said Mr Meadow Maul maybe you'll let me borrow your umbrella or sunshade as you call it some rainy day certainly you shall take it the next time it rains Grandfather promised Mr Meadow Maul's murmured thank you he looked up at the sky with a knowing eye he could see signs there but of course Grandfather Maul had never seen the sky in all his life the very next time it rains Mr Meadow Maul repeated as if he wanted to be sure there was no misunderstanding about it certainly certainly Grandfather Maul said and as I've remarked before I'd be glad to let you come under the sunshade now beside me if there was only room enough for both of us you needn't trouble yourself Mr Meadow Maul told him and once more he scanned the sky eagerly what's that Grandfather Maul cried suddenly as he started up in alarm what struck the top of my sunshade I don't know said Mr Meadow Maul I don't know what it was unless it was a raindrop end of chapter 14 chapter 15 of the tale of Grandfather Maul read for the tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 15 to Anna Toadstool Grandfather Maul had promised Mr Meadow Maul that he would loan him his Toadstool sunshade or umbrella the very next time it rained but when he agreed to that Grandfather hadn't the slightest idea there was a shower coming Mr Meadow Maul however had watched the dark clouds gathering in the sky but he had said nothing of what he saw and when the raindrops began to patter on top of Grandfather Maul's sunshade Mr Meadow Maul cried in a brisk voice oh thank you sir for the loan of your umbrella now Grandfather Maul had never used his umbrella until that very day it was not a quarter of an hour since he had discovered it standing in the garden and when he had made his promise to Mr Meadow Maul he had had no idea that it was going to rain so soon he didn't like the thought of loaning a new umbrella the first day he owned it can't you wait he asked Mr Meadow Maul wouldn't some other day suit you just as well but Mr Meadow Maul reminded him that a promise was a promise well then can't you squeeze in beside me Grandfather Maul asked him but Mr Meadow Maul said that he didn't see how he could do that now that it rains there's no more room under your umbrella than there was a few moments ago when the sun was shining you're mistaken said Grandfather Maul Mr Meadow Maul looked surprised I don't understand how that can be he muttered this toadstool is growing bigger all the time Grandfather Maul explained very well said Mr Meadow Maul there's room for two old crowd in as he spoke he wedged himself between Grandfather Maul and the stem of the toadstool umbrella and immediately Grandfather Maul found himself out in the rain the old gentleman didn't like that very well and he said as much too it's plain that your umbrella didn't grow as much as you thought Mr Meadow Maul retorted you're mistaken Grandfather Maul told him once more my umbrella grew exactly as much as I expected it would but there was one thing I forgot what was that you were growing at the same time Grandfather Maul replied yes and there's another thing that you forgot Mr Meadow Maul exclaimed I doubt it said Grandfather Maul and though he didn't ask what it was Mr Meadow Maul told him you were growing too he cried the Grandfather Maul couldn't agree with Mr Meadow Maul I'm too old to grow anymore he said pardon me said Mr Meadow Maul but I don't see a well known appetite can help growing fat and anyhow I'm sorry you're out in the rain but it's certainly not my fault we won't discuss that Grandfather Maul called him and since I don't want to get wet I'm going home I hope you'll take good care of my new sun shade and please don't forget to return it he added anxiously I'll leave it right here for you Mr Meadow Maul promised though Grandfather Maul was far from satisfied he crawled into the ground and left Mr Meadow Maul to enjoy the rain pattering on the top of the toadstool and the next day to his great relief Grandfather Maul found his sun shade in the same spot Mr Meadow Maul returned it away to tell the truth he had tried to but he had found that he couldn't move it Grandfather Maul said it was the first sun shade that a borrower had ever returned to him and that was the truth for he had never owned a sun shade before end of chapter 15 chapter 16 at the tail of Grandfather Maul read for LibriVox.org the tail of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 16 Grandfather Maul's visitor whatever Grandfather Maul's neighbors might say of him they never could claim that he was lazy he was always busy when he wasn't eating or sleeping you could be quite sure that he was digging he never seemed to be satisfied with his house but was forever making what he called improvements if there was one thing he liked it was plenty of halls he had halls running in every direction and since the person could never tell in which one Grandfather Maul might be visitors might roam about his dark galleries without finding him if anybody happened to point out to Grandfather Maul that his house had such a drawback Grandfather Maul always answered that he liked his house just as it was and that he wouldn't change it for anything except to add a few more halls he was very set in his ways he claimed that he wouldn't be comfortable in a house with only two halls a front and a back one as Billy Woodchuck's dwelling was known to contain maybe that was the reason why Grandfather Maul never went visiting and as for anybody else visiting him well what was the use when most likely you never could find him nevertheless there was one of Grandfather Maul's neighbours who called him as frequently and for the very reason that he knew he could probably do exactly as he pleased far from trying to find Grandfather Maul Mr Meadow Mouse always took pains to avoid him and if by chance he met Grandfather Maul in one of his galleries Mr Meadow Mouse was always extremely polite and ready to run during corn planting time Mr Meadow Mouse went regularly down into a gallery of Grandfather Maul's that ran under a corner of the cornfield and somehow he soon grew quite plump now Grandfather Maul had met Mr Meadow Mouse two or three times in that particular gallery and he was not slow to notice that his visitor looked fatter each time he saw him so one day Grandfather Maul asked Mr Meadow Mouse bluntly what he was doing there I'm taking a stroll Mr Meadow Mouse told him neatly be careful Grandfather Maul warned him be careful that you don't take anything else trembling slightly earlier when he wanted to be Mr Meadow Mouse said that he hoped Grandfather Maul didn't mind if a person took a little exercise now and then in those underground halls on a warm summer's day it's delightfully cool down here Mr Meadow Mouse murmured his speech pleased Grandfather Maul I'm glad there's someone that agrees with me most people think I'm queer because I like to live underground Mr Meadow Mouse hastened to assure him that he didn't think him queer not in the least thank you, thank you Grandfather Maul said and since you're a person of more sense than I had supposed you're welcome to ramble through my halls so long as you don't take my eyes and a stroll then it was Mr Meadow's mouse's turn to thank Grandfather Maul I feel better he said now that you've given me permission to come here but to tell the truth I've often felt that I was taking a chance so matters went on smoothly for a time and Mr Meadow Mouse spent hours in the gallery under the cornfield fatter every day naturally he did not take such pains to dodge Grandfather Maul after the talk they had had and when the two met one evening Grandfather Maul stopped Mr Meadow Mouse there's something I want to say to you he remarked I noticed you're looking extremely well fed and I hope you're not eating any of my angle worms Mr Meadow Mouse laughed right in Grandfather Maul's face oh no he replied nor any of my grubs or bugs Grandfather Maul persisted certainly not said Mr Meadow Mouse making a right face as he spoke that he was rather a dainty person and then he whispered something to Grandfather Maul said Grandfather Maul so that's it A well I don't mind I never eat anything of that sort take all you want of it End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of the Tale of Grandfather Maul Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 17 Mr Crow Scalds Old Mr Crow was angry with Grandfather Maul now there was nothing strange about that because Mr Crow was always losing his temper and his neighbours had long since learned not to pay much heed to his scolding they knew that they had taught never really heard anyone Mr Crow forgot a grievance quickly because he was sure to get angry with somebody else there was one matter upon which Mr Crow was especially touchy that was corn if anybody talked about corn robbers or even said much about corn as a food Mr Crow always lost his temper and if anybody said corn or middle in the cornfield then old Mr Crow would get so angry that he couldn't speak a pleasant word for days and days and now he was enraged because he had reason to believe that Grandfather Maul was eating the corn that Farmer Green had planted he's eating it out of the hills Mr Crow told his neighbours Farmer Green sometimes places scarecrow in the cornfield Jimmy Rabbit remark so why wouldn't it be a good idea to get him to set up a few scaremolds that wouldn't help any Mr Crow said gloomily usually the merest mention of a scarecrow sent him into a rage but now he was too angry with Grandfather Maul to pick a quarrel with anyone else Grandfather Maul couldn't see a scaremole if he ran head first into it Mr Crow continued and besides even if he had eyes to see with he's working underground Grandfather Maul has dug galleries that run under the cornfield and he can get right inside a hill of corn and gobble the seed corn without being seen then how do you know what the family's doing when you can't see him Jimmy Rabbit inquired the corn isn't coming up as a toot Mr Crow told him so I scratched open a hill myself to find out what was the matter you didn't find Grandfather Maul did you Jimmy Rabbit cried No said Mr Crow and I found no corn either and I found a lot of corn in the trees leading up to the centre of the hill so it's easy to guess where the corn goes since news always travels fast in Pleasant Valley and tales such as Mr Crow told spread more rapidly than any other it wasn't long before Mrs Robin repeated Mr Crow's remarks in Grandfather Maul's hearing what's that he called please say that again old Mr Crow claims that you are eating farm green seed corn out of the hills Mrs Robin said and she had the grace to grow somewhat red in the face because it was hardly the sort of thing to say to an old gentleman like Grandfather Maul for a few moments Grandfather Maul was silent himself and Mrs Robin whispered to some of her friends that it certainly looked as if Grandfather Maul was guilty at last he managed to speak but it was a most peculiar question that he asked so far as Mrs Robin could see it had absolutely nothing to do with the case if you happen to see Mr Meadow Mouse that I'd like to have a talk with him end of chapter 17 chapter 18 of the tale of Grandfather Maul read for LibriVox.org the tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 18 a talk with Mr Meadow Mouse the next time she saw Mr Meadow Mouse Mrs Robin gave him Grandfather Maul's message he says said she he'd like to have a talk with you does he Mr Meadow Mouse exclaimed now I wonder what he has to say I returned his umbrella to him after the rain so it can't be about that if I wanted to know I'd go and find Grandfather Maul sort of person Mr Meadow Mouse thanked Mrs Robin politely both for the message and for the advice and then scampering to a certain spot that he knew near the fence he disappeared through an opening into the ground it was one of Grandfather Maul's doorways Mr Meadow Mouse did not hesitate to use it as being one of those fortunate folk that are quite at home anywhere it made little difference to him whether he was above the ground or in it and aside from Grandfather Maul and his own family there was no one that knew his way about Grandfather Maul's galleries as well as Mr Meadow Mouse to be sure he had some trouble finding the old gentleman there were so many different passages in which to look for him but at last Mr Meadow Mouse met Grandfather Maul in a long tunnel that followed a row of newly planted corn aha Grandfather Maul cried there's something I want to say to you so I hear Mr Meadow Mouse replied a bit anxiously Grandfather Maul sounded none too pleasant you've been getting me into trouble with old Mr Crow Grandfather Maul complained he thinks I've been eating the seed corn that Farmer Green planted and if I told him that it was you that's done it and that you've been using my galleries to reach the hills of corn Mr Crow would never believe what I said it looks bad for you doesn't it Mr Meadow Mouse more cheerfully somehow his remark displeased Grandfather Maul you'd better be careful what you say he warned Mr Meadow Mouse if you make me angry it will go hard with you now Grandfather Maul was known to be a terrible fighter when aroused and Mr Meadow Mouse had no liking for a fight and had to go backwards a few steps and made ready to run I'm sorry if I have caused you trouble he said couldn't you explain to Mr Crow that you have tunneled into the hills of corn in order to catch the grubs that would eat the corn if you didn't eat them first can't you tell him that you are helping the corn crop instead of ruining it what you wanted with Mr Crow he replied if he has made up his mind that I'm still in corn nothing I could say would change his opinion can't I help you in some way Mr Meadow Mouse asked I'd do almost anything because you've let me use your galleries Grandfather Maul pondered for a time perhaps there is a way you can help if you'll manage somehow to let Mr Crow catch you in one of these hills with your mouth full of corn he'd know that you were the guilty party Mr Meadow Mouse paled at the thought of such a situation and his legs shook beneath him oh I I couldn't do that he stammered can't you think of some other way yes I can Grandfather replied I'll let him catch me in a hill of corn with corn in your mouth Mr Meadow Mouse inquired eagerly no said Grandfather Maul with you in my mouth when he chose Grandfather Maul could be very spry and as he said those words he made a quick rush toward Mr Meadow Mouse then there was a great scurrying down there in the dark end of chapter 18 chapter 19 of the tale of Grandfather Maul read for LibriVox.org the tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 19 Mr Crow's Apology it was lucky for Mr Meadow Mouse that he had placed a little distance between himself and Grandfather Maul down in the gallery under the cornfield for when Grandfather Maul rushed at him Mr Meadow Mouse had just enough lead to escape he made for the open air as fast as he could scramble knowing that Grandfather Maul could never catch him in the great outdoors perhaps it was only natural that Grandfather Maul should have been angry with Mr Meadow Mouse nobody likes to be accused of thieving especially when he is innocent and when the real corn thief Mr Meadow Mouse declined to take the blame of Grandfather Maul's shoulders maybe his anger was not uncalled for after all Grandfather Maul was glad in a way that Mr Meadow Mouse had got away from him it proves Grandfather Maul told himself it proves that Mr Meadow Mouse is not only a thief he's a coward as well at the same time anyone that really knew old Mr Crow couldn't have blamed Mr Meadow Mouse to follow Grandfather's suggestion Grandfather Maul had asked Mr Meadow Mouse to allow Mr Crow to catch him with his mouth full of corn so that Mr Crow might know that it wasn't Grandfather Maul that was taking the seed corn as Mr Crow's supposed Mr Meadow Mouse was too well acquainted with old Mr Crow when he found himself into any such fix as that when he found himself above ground after Grandfather Maul had chased him out of his galleries Mr Meadow Mouse felt so pleased with himself that he couldn't help telling his neighbours about his adventure he boasted that he had been eating the seed corn out of the hills and he declared that he didn't care that Mr Crow heard of it himself it's no more his corn than mine Mr Meadow Mouse said it belongs to Farmer Green and since he has never spoken to me about missing any I don't believe he cares besides I've often noticed that he dropped small kernel in a hill that he expects will grow and really I've been saving him the trouble of pulling up a good many years all this Mr Meadow Mouse spread far and wide and soon it reached the years of old Mr Crow Mr Crow exclaimed so he's the thief I'll have to teach him a lesson it was just the J that had related the news to his cousin old Mr Crow and now he asked what about Grandfather Maul he apologised to him that was a strange thing for Jasper Jay to ask he was the greatest rowdy in the woods with shocking manners Mr Crow gave Jasper a sidewise glance will you apologise for me he inquired I'm too busy to do it myself certainly I will Jasper Jay cried leave that to me once to find Grandfather Maul Jasper was lucky enough to see Grandfather Maul's head sticking out of the ground when he reached the garden I have a message for you Jasper told him my cousin Mr Crow the old black rascal was going to punish you for stealing corn but he has made other arrangements Mr Crow Grandfather Maul splattered Mr Crow owes me an apology not now he doesn't Jasper disputed why not Grandfather Maul cried because I've just brought his apology and given it to you Jasper Jay replied that Grandfather Maul told him to be gone and to take the apology away with him it's nothing but an insult Grandfather Maul declared End of Chapter 19 Chapter 20 of The Tale of Grandfather Maul Read for Librebox.org The Tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 20 A Sign of Rain Over near the garden fence lay an old hollow log Grandfather Maul discovered it one day and thinking that it would be a fine place to look for grubs and other good things he crept into one end of it if he had been able to see near the other end of the log a pair of bright eyes that peered at him out of the darkness perhaps he would have backed out in a hurry but it was all right the owner of the two eyes was only Sandy Chipmunk and he spoke pleasantly to Grandfather Maul in a soft sort of chatter because he didn't want to alarm him good afternoon said Grandfather Maul at Sandy's first word he had jumped but as soon as he knew who was in the log with him he felt safe enough what are you doing here young man Grandfather inquired I came in to get out of the rain Sandy told him rain Grandfather Maul exclaimed it's not raining I know that but it's going to Sandy Chipmunk replied there's not the least sign of rain Grandfather Maul declared being older than Sandy he didn't hesitate to dispute what Sandy said and he never troubled himself either Sandy Chipmunk noticed that but he had been carefully read by his mother but he knew that Grandfather Maul was considered an odd old gentleman and besides what could Sandy have said that wouldn't have sounded rude there's not a sign of rain Grandfather Maul repeated so far as I can see how far can you see Sandy inquired politely tuth tuth said Grandfather Maul what I mean is that I haven't noticed anything that foretells rain for instance I haven't had a twinge of rheumatism since I don't know when well I'm glad of that anyhow Sandy assured him but I saw a sign of rain today that perhaps you never noticed what was that Farmer Green's cat was washing her face on the doorstep Sandy explained triumphantly it's a sure sign of rain my mother has never known it to fail Farmer Green's cat Grandfather Maul repeated after him and he shuddered as he spoke don't you know that she's not a trustworthy person you surely don't depend on her I hope she's not dependable well you can always depend on her to jump at you Sandy observed she's a coward that's what she is Grandfather Maul's golden you never heard of her chasing anybody that was bigger than herself did you you never heard of her attacking Fatty Coon she hunted Coons she kept it to herself she's too wise to run any risk said Grandfather Maul but if she's washing her face just because she expects rain then she's stupid if the cat wants to wash her face why doesn't she stick her head out in the rain Grandfather Maul demanded and without waiting for his young companion to answer he went on to say that in his opinion anybody that washed his face in anything but dirt was stupid beyond all hope I claim said Grandfather Maul that there's nothing quite like a dirt bath there aren't many that would agree with you Sandy Chipmunk told him there's a lot of stupid people in this valley Grandfather Maul retorted Sandy Chipmunk thought deeply for a few moments I know of one person who would say you were right he remarked at last who's that Grandfather asked him the boy Johnny Green Sandy Chipmunk replied if you could see his face you'd know that he takes a dirt bath every day End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of The Tale of Grandfather Maul Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 21 Mrs. Wren Tries to Help Have you found him yet Mrs. Rusty Wren asked Grandfather Maul one day when the old gentleman had left his dark underground home to brave the dangers of the garden found whom Grandfather Maul inquired why your grandson I saw him wondering about the garden a little while ago and I supposed of course that you had come up to find him now that strange Grandfather Maul exclaimed I wasn't aware one of them had strayed away from the house which of my grandchildren was it that you saw I don't know them by name Mrs. Wren replied but this was just a tiny chap then it must be my little grandson Moses Grandfather Maul cried he's the smallest of the lot I must find him at once before the cat catches him Mrs. Wren saw that Grandfather Maul was greatly disturbed and though she had enough to do goodness knows to look after her own family she told Grandfather Maul that she would help him find his grandchild that's kind of you I'm sure Grandfather Maul remarked if I had your bright eyes I wouldn't need anybody's help oh you're welcome Mrs. Wren assured him I shouldn't want a youngster of mine walking about the garden alone I'm glad to do what I can and meanwhile you had better stay close to that hole for there's no need of your running any risks if I can't find young Moses Maul then nobody can Grandfather Maul said she was very kind and that he would take her advice so he stationed himself beside the hole through which he had lately appeared and waited there while Rusty Wren's wife looked for his grandson she was a quick spry little body was Mrs. Wren it wasn't long before she surprised the object of her search in the act of eating a fat grub beside a pumpkin here he is Mrs. Wren called to Grandfather Maul I've found him to you you'd better bring him Grandfather Maul answered and anybody could see that he was vastly relieved a little later Mrs. Wren called to him again what shall I do she asked he won't mind me and he's too heavy for me to carry that's Moses without a doubt Grandfather Maul declared if he won't mind it's certainly my grandson Moses he's the littlest of the family and his mother has always spoiled him I suppose Grandfather Maul added I suppose I'll have to go and get him wait a moment Mrs. Wren suddenly sung out there's some mistake this little fellow says his name isn't Moses well Grandfather Maul's mouth fell open he was so surprised then what's his name he demanded he says it's Mr. Shrew and he seems very angry over something or other Mrs. Wren explained tell me Grandfather Maul has he a neck Mrs. Wren glanced at the small person who was the first she had interrupted yes he has won she reported then he's no relation of mine Grandfather Maul said or at least he's no more than a distant cousin and I don't even know him he was relieved to learn that his grandson Moses Maul was not wondering about the garden after all maybe you never stopped to think that none of our family have necks so far as you can notice and now Mrs. Wren looked at Grandfather Maul and she saw that his head was set right on his shoulders I was mistaken she faltered I'm sorry if I upset you about your grandson it doesn't matter now Grandfather Maul assured her to be sure I was alarmed and when you said he wouldn't mind I was sure it was Moses children said Grandfather Maul are not brought up as strictly as they were when I was young End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of the Tale of Grandfather Maul Read for LibriVox.org The Tale of Grandfather Maul by Arthur Scott Bailey Chapter 22 Two Famous Diggers Billy Woodchuck had decided to move into new quarters before cold weather set in Old Dog Spot had learned where he lived and to Billy's dismay Spot was spending altogether too much of his time watching Billy's front door there was only one reason why Billy Woodchuck didn't exactly care to dig a new home for himself in the pasture just then the full crop of clover was about to head out and being very fond of clover blossoms Billy hated to spend his time digging he was telling his troubles one day to old Mr Crow and as usual Mr Crow had an idea why don't you get ready to help you he asked Billy Woodchuck looked a bit doubtful who is there he inquired nobody would be willing to dig for me unless I paid him well if I were you I'd offer a modest wage Mr Crow suggested that Billy Woodchuck shook his head I couldn't pay anybody anything unless it was clover tops would anyone dig for them when there are thousands to be had for the taking Mr Crow agreed that Billy Woodchuck knew what he was talking about but said Mr Crow I've usually found that there's a way out of every difficulty what you must do is to find somebody that likes to dig somebody that is so crazy to dig that he'd help you Billy Woodchuck looks still more doubtful who is there he asked once more meanwhile Mr Crow had been thinking rapidly for he was a quick witted old scamp I'll tell you he cried there's grandfather mole although Billy Woodchuck brightened considerably for Mr Crow's ideas made him more hopeful I know grandfather mole I've heard of him however Billy told Mr Crow he lives in Farmer Green's garden but you know I never go there I stick to the fields I don't like to get too far from home for once then said old Mr Crow I should break my rule if I were you and visit the garden find grandfather mole and talk with him so Billy Woodchuck decided that he would take Mr Crow's advice and though he hated to leave the clover patch he set out that very afternoon to find grandfather mole and ask him if he wouldn't like to help dig a winter home in the pasture but before starting on his journey Billy Woodchuck waited until Mr Crow came back and told him that grandfather mole had just appeared above ground Billy Woodchuck hurried off across the pasture as fast as he could scamper and in a short time he reached Farmer Green's garden he was somewhat out of breath because there had been plenty of good things to eat all summer long and he was round as a ball of butter luckily he arrived just in time grandfather mole had been on the point of creeping down into one of his many underground halls when he heard a strange voice say stop a moment please I've something important to say to you it was a pleasant voice if it hadn't been grandfather mole wouldn't have waited an instant he turned his head toward the place where the voice came from is it stranger and talked fast because I'm busy I have some digging to do down below end of chapter 22 chapter 23 of the tale of grandfather mole read for LibriVox.org the tale of grandfather mole by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 23 seeing a sample grandfather mole's remark made Billy Woodchuck smile I'm a very busy person I have some digging to do down below grandfather had said you're just the one I need to help me Billy Woodchuck exclaimed for he had heard somewhere that if you want a thing done you should get a busy person to do it I hope you don't want me to catch angle worms for you grandfather mole told him the neighbours are always asking me to do that and I've decided that I can't do it somehow I can't help eating him myself Billy Woodchuck assured him that he had no use at all for angle worms what I want he explained is a good digger to help dig a new house for me is anybody else going to help too grandfather mole no only myself Billy said then I'm sorry but I can't work for you grandfather mole announced and he had already turned away as if the business were ended when Billy Woodchuck stopped him again perhaps said Billy perhaps I can find one or two other besides myself you've missed my point said grandfather mole nobody else to help not even you for I won't share the fun of digging with anyone well Billy Woodchuck could hardly believe his own ears you shall have things all your own way he cried I won't scratch a speck of dirt I promise you that's different grandfather mole remarked that's more like it and if you're a person of trouble you can depend on me Billy Woodchuck told grandfather mole while you're working for me I'll spend all my time in the clove of the patch and now he added I'd like to see a sample of your diggings come right this way grandfather mole directed and Billy Woodchuck followed and look carefully at the small hole grandfather mole pointed to with an air of pride here's one of my doorways he announced with his head on one side Billy Woodchuck inspected it it's well made he said but of course it's entirely too small for my house if you work for me you'll have to dig bigger than that that speech did not please grandfather mole small doorways are the only kind to have he declared I wouldn't make a bigger one for anybody not even for farmer green himself Billy Woodchuck soon saw that grandfather mole was a stubborn old fellow no matter what he said he couldn't get grandfather mole to change his opinion and at last Billy Woodchuck gave up all hope of having grandfather mole a door like yours would be of no use to me he said dolefully I never could squeeze through it my goodness grandfather mole cried how big are you anyhow it must be remembered that he couldn't see his core I'm big enough said Billy Woodchuck to put you in my pocket almost grandfather mole turned pale at the mere thought of such a thing I no idea I was talking to a monster he stammered I don't believe I want to dig for you after all and saying a hasty good afternoon he popped through his doorway and vanished at Billy Woodchuck's feet greatly disappointed Billy Woodchuck turned home woods I'd have been in a pretty fix if he had finished my house and I had tried to move my furniture into it he muttered it's lucky I asked to see a sample of grandfather mole's work said Billy Woodchuck end of chapter 23 chapter 24 of the tale of grandfather mole read for the tale of grandfather mole by Arthur Scott Bailey chapter 24 following the Plough a good many of grandfather moles neighbors sneered at him and said he was queer Mr. Blackbird was one of those scoffers though he was a lazy scamp he always managed to look sleek and well fed and he liked the same fare that grandfather mole did for a goose to work so hard for your food Mr. Blackbird jeered one fine spring day as he sat on the garden fence and looked down at grandfather mole you ought to change your habits just look at me I get plenty to eat and I do precious little digging for it believe me I tell you there's a better way than yours actually grandfather mole couldn't look at Mr. Blackbird that he raised his head in his old fashion what's that he inquired what's a better way than mine but Mr. Blackbird was in no hurry to tell all he knew suppose he said I should explain my method to you you could follow it for some weeks and live well without much trouble when the spring plowing is finished I should want you to supply me with angle worms for the same length of time you know you can't expect me to give away my secret for nothing but I like to dig grandfather mole replied you may have noticed that I am built for that sort of work what grandfather mole said was true most his powerful four legs and big strong feet all served to make him the fastest digger in Pleasant Valley Mr. Blackbird regarded him with a sly smile you seem to be built for eating too he observed grandfather mole soon confessed that Mr. Blackbird's mention of angle worms had made him so hungry that he was ready to promise Mr. Blackbird had proposed so Mr. Blackbird cried that it was a bargain and now he said listen carefully while I whisper the secret for I don't want everybody to hear it I follow the plough he explained it turns up a great quantity of angle worms the only work I have to do is to pick him up with my bill somehow grandfather mole did not appear as delighted as Mr. Blackbird had expected how can I follow the plough when I can't see where it's going he asked silly Mr. Blackbird did you can find your way along a thorough can't you grandfather mole thought he could do that but you're forgetting Henry Hawk he reminded Mr. Blackbird farm the green ploughs in the daytime and Henry Hawk might see me he wouldn't be likely to notice you if you crept along the bottom of a thorough Mr. Blackbird assured grandfather mole anyhow I'll be there and I'll warn you if Henry Hawk appears in the sky grandfather mole was relieved and Mr. Blackbird told him to be ready the next morning end of chapter 24