There is a lot of down around the roots of them . I am going to have the warmest coat I 've ever had . '' `` Well , do n't think you are the only one , '' retorted Danny . `` My fur never was so thick at this time of year as it is now , and it is the same way with Nanny Meadow Mouse and all our children . I suppose you know what it means . '' `` What does it mean ? '' asked Blacky , just as if he did n't have the least idea , although he had guessed the instant he discovered those extra feathers . `` It means we are going to have a long , hard , cold winter , and Old Mother Nature is preparing us for it , '' replied Danny , quite as if he knew all about it . `` You 'll find that everybody who does n't go south or sleep all winter has a thicker coat than usual . Hello ! There is old Roughleg the Hawk ! He has come extra early this year . I think I 'll go back to warn Nanny . '' Without another word Danny disappeared in the brown grass . Again Blacky chuckled . `` More signs , '' said he to himself . `` More signs . There is n't a doubt that we are going to have a hard winter . I wonder if I can stand it or if I 'd better go a little way south , where it will be warmer . '' CHAPTER XVII : Blacky Watches A Queer Performance This much to me is very clear : A thing not understood is queer .
-- XXXXX the Crow .
Blacky CHAPTER Danny Mouse Nanny Nature Roughleg XVII feathers year