You see, the Green Meadows
were so strange and open that he didn't feel at all at home, for he
dearly loves the deepest part of the Green Forest.
"No," said Paddy the Beaver, "I can't possibly live here in the
Smiling Pool. It is a very nice pool, but it wouldn't do at all for
me, Cousin Jerry. I wouldn't feel safe here a minute. Besides,
there is nothing to eat here."
"Oh, yes, there is," Jerry Muskrat interrupted. "There are
lily-roots and the nicest fresh-water clams and --"
"But there are no trees," said Paddy the Beaver, "and you know I
have to have trees."
Jerry stared at Paddy as if he didn't understand. "Do -- do you eat
trees?" he asked finally.
Paddy laughed. "Just the bark," said he, "and I have to have a great
deal of it."
Jerry looked as disappointed as he felt. "Of course you can't stay
then," said he, "and -- and I had thought that we would have such
good times together."
Paddy's eyes twinkled. "Perhaps we may yet," said he. "You see I
have about made up my mind that I will stay a while along the
Laughing Brook in the Green Forest, and you can come to see me
there.
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