Paddy's Strange House

Part One · Paddy's Strange House

Paddy the Beaver was building something big. Jerry Muskrat watched from the water.

First there was a flat pile of mud and sticks. It stood in the middle of the pond.

"Paddy is making a mistake," said Jerry. "I see no door at all."

A rabbit came by and looked, too. "Is that another dam?" he asked.

Jerry laughed. "No, it is Paddy's house. The doors are under the water!"

"Then where will he sleep?" asked the rabbit. "That mud heap is in the way."

Jerry did not know. He was a bit worried. But he did not like to say so.

Next day Paddy came with long sticks. He leaned them on the heap. He tied the tops.

Soon the mud heap was gone. Sticks covered it, and a roof stood in its place.

Jerry and the rabbit looked and looked. "It is a house!" said Jerry. "A fine house!"

Jerry laughed at himself. He had thought Paddy was wrong. He was glad he had not told him so.

"Paddy knew what he was doing," said Jerry. "He always does. I should have known."