human
Howdy do, Uncle Squeaky? he said as the others drew their little red-painted stools into a half circle before Uncle Squeaky's arm-chair.
gpt
Have you any peppermints in your pocket?
human
And will you please tell us a real exciting story?
gpt
Just listen to that, Ma Graymouse!
human
Just listen to that! One would think I was a walking candy store and a story book, all in one. Very sorry, Buster Boy, but I haven't a single peppermint in my pocket. I think you ought not to eat so much candy. You are too fat, already. As for stories, you kiddies have heard every tale that this old gray head holds, time and time again.
gpt
Oh, well, if you are going to feel as bad as all that, perhaps I might manage to tell you one more story, he chuckled.
human
But I think Silver Ears will hardly call it exciting. And I wonder if you little folk could make some checkermints do?
gpt
Bless my stars, how that little Squealer does squeal! Here, Ma Graymouse, stuff his mouth with this candy and I will begin my story:
human
I might manage to tell one more Story, he chuckled.
gpt
Once upon a time, away up in an attic, so high that it made their fat old uncle puff to climb up to their dwelling, there lived a widow and her six children. Their father met a sad death a short time ago and so her children had to be very brave and work hard to help their dear mother.
human
Sniff! Sniff!
gpt
Boo-hoo!
human
The oldest son was much like his Daddy, very wise and clever at making things. He was somewhat lame as he had lost the toes of one foot in a trap when he was a small mouse, too small to be wise.
gpt
Limpy-toes!
human
And a great comfort he is, to be sure,
gpt
And there was a pretty daughter who loved bright ribbons and spent quite a good deal of time dancing before the looking-glass. But she was good-natured and helpful, with all her gay ways and dainty habits, and every one who knew her loved her.
human
Silver Ears, of course!
gpt
The third little fellow resembled his Grand-daddy Whiskers, continued Uncle Squeaky.
human
He was fat as a butter ball, so he could not squeeze through holes to hunt for food with the others. He ate so many goodies that he was too tired to do much work, so he had to sit on his little red stool most of the time. But he could sometimes sing the baby to sleep, which was a great blessing. He was a sweet singer and now he is going to sing us a song. Wake up, Buster Boy, and give us a right good tune.
gpt
It is rather warm in this chimney corner, excused Mother Graymouse.
human
Now, Buster, sing your newest song for Uncle Squeaky; that's a good child.
gpt
Heigh oh! Merry oh! Spice cake's very nice; Heigh oh! Merry oh! We are happy mice.
human
A voice just like his poor Daddy's, sighed Mother Graymouse,
gpt
Then there was a pair of twins, resumed Uncle Squeaky.
human
The two of 'em wouldn't make one good sized mouse. But it did not take much stuff for their dresses and they could steal through the tiniest, teentiest holes, which was often very handy for the whole family.
gpt
Hush! cautioned Mother Graymouse.
human
If we make too much noise, the Giant may be angry and turn us out of our cosy home.
gpt
Then there was a small baby; he was rightly named Squealer, added Uncle Squeaky dryly.
human
Well, one stormy night when the snow was packed against the windows so you couldn't even peep out, their old uncle made them a visit. He reminded them that once again it was New Year's Eve.
gpt
And so we must make new resolutions,
human
Very good, agreed Uncle Squeaky.
gpt
Suppose you begin.
human
I will obey my mother,
gpt
I will try to take poor Daddy's place,
human
I will mind the baby,
gpt
I will mind baby, too,
human
Your turn, Buster,
gpt
I will try to wake up mornings,
human
And not eat so much, my boy. And do a little more work; it is good exercise,
gpt
Now that is fine. Good little mice are always obedient and helpful. I think, Ma Graymouse, that you ought to be very happy and contented this year with such dutiful kiddies. Now it is getting late. I must tell you the good news which was my real errand, and then be gone. Granny and Grand-daddy Whiskers have met with great good fortune. They have moved up one flight into the pantry closet. They say the air there is very fine--all sorts of delicious odors. And food! Why, it is hard to choose the bill of fare, there's so many goodies laying around! Granny wishes you to visit her and bring all the kiddies,--especially Buster, he grinned.
human
Good night. A happy New Year to you all!
gpt
Happy New Year, Uncle Squeaky! they called in chorus.
human
Bring your fiddle next time, uncle,
gpt
And don't forget the checkermints,