CHAPTER VI
The grasshopper lifted up his leg and rapped on a stalk of wheat.
“Who is there?” piped a thin, squeaky voice.
“It is I, Grandfather Grasshopper, with some friends,” he answered.
“What do you want? what are you bothering me about?” inquired the same little voice. “I am very busy with my family, and I cannot spend time to talk.”
“We want to know how you are,” responded the grasshopper, “and my friends here would like to ask you how to go to the beautiful world?”
“If that is all you want, I will gladly come down and see you,” said Mrs. Mouse, “for I know the way to the beautiful world and can tell you all about it.”
Then down the spear of wheat she came.
“Good-day, Mrs. Mouse,” said Grandfather Grasshopper. “How do you and the little ones fare to-day?”
“Not very well, thank you,” answered Mrs. Mouse, “for we were very much frightened yesterday by the men reaping this field. I thought every moment they would pull down the house. But how are you, Mr. Grasshopper, and who are your friends?”
“I am well,” he answered, “only a little tired. These are my friends, from Elfland. They want to see the beautiful world.”
“This is Spider Eyes,Who is growing wise.This is Pointed Toes,Who looks where he goes.This is Dusty Cap,Never caught taking a nap.This is brave Chip Wing,Who flies above everything.”
“This is Spider Eyes,Who is growing wise.This is Pointed Toes,Who looks where he goes.This is Dusty Cap,Never caught taking a nap.This is brave Chip Wing,Who flies above everything.”
“This is Spider Eyes,Who is growing wise.This is Pointed Toes,Who looks where he goes.This is Dusty Cap,Never caught taking a nap.This is brave Chip Wing,Who flies above everything.”
“This is Spider Eyes,
Who is growing wise.
This is Pointed Toes,
Who looks where he goes.
This is Dusty Cap,
Never caught taking a nap.
This is brave Chip Wing,
Who flies above everything.”
“I am glad to meet you, gentlemen,” said Mrs. Mouse, making a low courtesy. “Now, come into my house until I tidy up, and we will talk about the beautiful world. What! are you not coming in, Mr. Grasshopper?”
“No,” he answered. “I have tarried too long. I must join the cavalcade that is to escort Queen Wishtah to her southern realm. Good-by!”
And the grasshopper hopped away, leaving the elves alone with Mrs. Mouse.
How sorry they were to see him go. They were afraid already of Mrs. Mouse. She was so big, too.
They were half sorry they had not gone with him, for he was going to Elfland, and would see their Queen.
Chip Wing started to call him back, but Spider Eyes caught hold of him and stopped him, saying:
“No, no! We must go to see the beautiful world.”