`` So no one paid much heed to what Mr. Rabbit said until Happy Jack Squirrel one day went to his snug little hollow in the big chestnut tree where he stores his nuts and discovered half had been stolen . Then Striped Chipmunk lost the greater part of his winter store of corn . A fat trout was stolen from Billy Mink . `` It was a terrible time , for every one suspected every one else , and no one on the Green Meadows was happy . `` One evening Mr. Meadow Mouse went for a stroll along the Crooked Little Path up the hill . It was dark , very dark indeed . But just as he passed Striped Chipmunk 's granary , the place where he stores his supply of corn and acorns for the winter , Mr. Meadow Mouse met his cousin , Mr. Wharf Rat . Now Mr. Wharf Rat was very big and strong and Mr. Meadow Mouse had for a long time looked up to and admired him . '' ` Good evening , Cousin Meadow Mouse , ' said Mr. Wharf Rat , swinging a bag down from his shoulder . ` Will you do a favor for me ? ' `` Now Mr. Meadow Mouse felt very much flattered , and as he was a very obliging fellow anyway , he promptly said he would . '' ` All right , ' said Mr. Wharf Rat . ` I 'm going to get you to tote this bag down the Crooked Little Path to the hollow chestnut tree . I 've got an errand back on top of the hill . ' `` So Mr. Meadow Mouse picked up the bag , which was very heavy , and swung it over his shoulder . Then he started down the Crooked Little Path . Half way down he met Striped Chipmunk . '' ` Good evening , Mr. Meadow Mouse , ' said Striped Chipmunk . ` What are you toting in the bag across your shoulder ? ' `` Now , of course , Mr. Meadow Mouse did n't know what was in the bag and he did n't like to admit that he was working for another , for he was very proud , was Mr. Meadow Mouse .
`` So he said : ` Just a planting of potatoes I begged from Jimmy Skunk , just a planting of potatoes , Striped XXXXX . '
Chipmunk Meadows Mink Mouse Rat day errand favor right shoulder