He used to ask everyone who came his way if they had ever seen a Meadow Mouse with a long tail , but he had never found any one who had . `` Perhaps , '' thought Danny Meadow Mouse as he hurried down the Lone Little Path , `` perhaps Grandfather Frog , who is very wise , will know why my tail is short . '' So he hurried this way and he hurried that way over the Green Meadows in search of fat , foolish , green flies . And when he had caught three , he caught one more for good measure . Then he started for the Smiling Pool as fast as his short legs would take him . When finally he reached the edge of the Smiling Pool he was quite out of breath . There sat Great-Grandfather Frog on his big , green lily pad . He was blinking his great goggle eyes at jolly , round , red Mr. Sun . `` Oh , Grandfather Frog , '' said Danny Meadow Mouse in a very small voice , for you know he was quite out of breath with running , `` Oh , Grandfather Frog , I 've brought you four fat , foolish , green flies . '' Grandfather Frog put a hand behind an ear and listened . `` Did I hear someone say ` foolish , green flies ? ' '' asked Grandfather Frog . `` Yes , Grandfather Frog , here they are , '' said Danny Meadow Mouse , still in a very small voice . Then he gave Grandfather Frog the four fat , foolish , green flies . `` What is it that you want me to do for you , Danny Meadow Mouse ? '' asked Grandfather Frog as he smacked his lips , for he knew that Danny Meadow Mouse must want something to bring him four fat , foolish , green flies . `` If you please , '' said Danny Meadow Mouse , very politely , `` if you please , Grandfather Frog , old Mr. Toad told me that you could tell me how Grandfather Meadow Mouse a thousand times removed lost half of his tail . Will you , Grandfather Frog -- will you ? '' `` Chug-a-rum , '' said Grandfather Frog . `` My cousin , Mr. Toad , talks too much . ''
But he settled himself comfortably on the big lily pad , and this is what he told Danny Meadow Mouse : `` Once upon a time , when the world was young , Mr. Meadow XXXXX , your grandfather a thousand times removed , was a very fine gentleman .
Chug-a-rum Frog Meadows Mouse Mr. Path Sun Toad goggle lips