So he slipped away as quickly as he could , and because he was so ashamed he crept along underneath the long grass that no one should see his short tail . And ever since that long ago time when the world was young , '' concluded Grandfather Frog , `` the Meadow Mice have had short tails and have always scurried along under cover of the long grass where no one will see them . And the Wharf Rats have never again lived in the Green Meadows or in the Green Forest , but have lived on filth and garbage around the homes of men , with every man 's hand against them . '' `` Thank you , Grandfather Frog , '' said Danny Meadow Mouse , very soberly . `` Now I understand why my tail is short and I shall not forget . '' `` But it is n't your fault at all , Danny Meadow Mouse , '' cried the Merry Little Breezes , who had been listening , `` and we love you just as much as if your tail was long ! '' Then they played tag with him all the way up the Lone Little Path to his house , till Danny Meadow Mouse quite forgot that he had wished that his tail was long . II WHY REDDY FOX HAS NO FRIENDS The Green Meadows lay peaceful and still . Mother Moon , sailing high overhead , looked down upon them and smiled and smiled , flooding them with her silvery light . All day long the Merry Little Breezes of Old Mother West Wind had romped there among the asters and goldenrod . They had played tag through the cat rushes around the Smiling Pool . For very mischief they had rubbed the fur of the Field Mice babies the wrong way and had blown a fat green fly right out of Grandfather Frog 's mouth just as his lips came together with a smack . Now they were safely tucked in bed behind the Purple Hills , and so they missed the midnight feast at the foot of the Lone Pine . But Reddy Fox was there . You can always count on Reddy Fox to be about when mischief or good times are afoot , especially after Mr. Sun has pulled his nightcap on . Jimmy Skunk was there . If there is any mischief Reddy Fox does not think of Jimmy Skunk will be sure to discover it . Billy Mink was there . Yes indeed , Billy Mink was there ! Billy Mink is another mischief maker .
When Reddy Fox and Jimmy XXXXX are playing pranks or in trouble of any kind you are certain to find Billy Mink close by .
Forest Green Hills Meadows Mother Skunk day goldenrod midnight nightcap