“That I will,” said Mossy.
And Tangle cast a glance at him, and thought she should like to go with him.
“And,” said the lady, “if you should lose each other as you go through the—the—I never can remember the name of that country—do not be afraid, but go on and on.”
She kissed Tangle on the mouth and Mossy on the forehead, led them to the door, and waved her hand eastward. Mossy and Tangle took each other’s hand and walked away into the depth of the forest. In his right hand Mossy held the golden key.
They wandered thus a long way, with endless amusement from the talk of the animals. They soon learned enough of their language to ask them necessary questions. The squirrels were always friendly, and gave them nuts out of their own hoards; but the bees were selfish and rude, justifying themselves on the ground that Tangle and Mossy were not subjects of their queen, and charity must begin at home, though indeed they had not one drone in their poorhouse at the time. Even the blinking moles would fetch them an earthnut or a truffle now and then, talking as if their mouths, as well as their