the kitchenette, in which were stored lots of
beech nuts, hazels and fir-cones. And I think she was even more pleased
with Twinkle Tail, for she agreed to get married to him at once. So off
he started for Parson Owl and a little gold ring, while she went into
the kitchenette to get the wedding supper.

On his way he met little Jack Rabbit.

"I'm going to get married to-day! Come to my house this afternoon at
five," shouted Twinkle Tail.

"All right," answered the little rabbit. "I'll run home to tell mother."

Pretty soon Twinkle Tail met Squirrel Nutcracker.

"I knew there was going to be a wedding," he exclaimed, when he heard
the news. "I saw three magpies this very morning, and that's a sure
sign." Then he patted the little squirrel's head and promised that he
and Mrs. Nutcracker would surely come.

By the time Twinkle Tail reached the parsonage at the top of the old oak
tree it was quite late. "Have you got the wedding ring?" asked Parson
Owl as the little squirrel turned to go.

"Goodness gracious meebus!" exclaimed Twinkle Tail, "I've forgotten all
about it."

Parson Owl yawned, for it's only in the night-time that owls are wide
awake, you know, and replied:

"Can't marry you without a ring. No, indeed. Who ever heard of a wedding
without a ring?"

(Parson Owl was wide awake enough to know that! Goodness me! I hope the
little squirrel will find a jewelry store somewhere in the Shady
Forest.)

THE LITTLE GOLD RING

Twinkle Tail felt dreadfully worried as he left the parsonage. Where was
he to get the ring? Without it, Parson Owl had said there could be no
wedding. Little Miss Squirrel was waiting for him at the house, and all
the guests would be there at five o'clock. Parson Owl had agreed to be
on time although it was a trifle too bright at that hour for his blinky
old eyes. There was only one thing missing--the little gold wedding
ring.

"There's only one person who can help me," cried Twinkle Tail, and off
he ran to the Old Bramble Patch. In answer to his impatient knock,
Little Jack Rabbit opened the door. Then they both sat down on the
stone step while the little squirrel told his troubles one by one.

"Parson Owl says there can't be a wedding without a ring," sighed
Twinkle Tail, finishing his story. "But where to get the ring, I
don't know."

"I do," answered the little rabbit, jumping up quickly. "Come with me,"
and up the Old Cow Patch, over the Sunny Meadow, he hopped with Twi