The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (3)

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (3)

  They also took with them an offering of three fat mice as a present for Old Brown, and put them down upon his door-step.

  Then Twinkleberry and the other little squirrels each made a low bow, and said politely ー 
  " Old Mr. Brown, will you favour us with permission to gather nuts upon your island ? "



  But Nutkin was excessively imprertinent in his manners

  He bobbed up and down like a little red cherry, singing ー
  " Riddle me, riddle me, tot-tot-tote !
    A little wee man, in a red red coat !
    A staff in his hand, and a stone in his throat ;
    If you'll tell me this riddle, I'll give you a groat.  "

  Now this riddle is as old as the hills l; Mr. Brown paid no attention whatever to Nutkin.

  He shut his eyes obstinately and went to sleep.



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