I am in hopes that after tonight we shall not be hungry
for a long time, as I shall gnaw a hole at the back of the flour
barrel, where it will not be discovered."
She kissed each one of them good-bye and ran down the wall on her
errand.
When they were left alone Hickory wanted to go to sleep again, but
little Dock was wide awake, and tumbled around so in the nest that his
brothers were unable to sleep.
"I wish I could go with mother some night," said Dock, "it 's no fun
to stay here all the time."
"She will take us when we are big enough," replied Dickory.
"We are big enough now," declared Dock, "and if I knew my way I would
go out into the world and see what it looks like."
"I know a way out," said Hickory, "but mamma wouldn 't like it if we
should go without her permission."
"She need n't know anything about it," declared the naughty Dock, "for
she will be busy at the flour-barrel all the night. Take us out for a
little walk, Hick, if you know the way."
"Yes, do," urged Dickory.
"Well," said Hickory, "I 'd like a little stroll myself; so if you 'll
promise to be very careful, and not get into any mischief, I 'll take
you through the hole that I have discovered."
So the three little mice started off, with Hickory showing the way,
and soon came to a crack in the wall. Hickory stuck his head through,
and finding everything quiet, for the family of people that lived in
the house were fast asleep, he squeezed through the crack, followed by
his two brothers.
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