mty is gone to his dinner," answered Puff. "And we are trying to do
all his work for him before he comes back."

"Yes!" said Fluff, "because he often helps us, you know, and so we ought
to help him."

[Illustration]

"But what are all those funny-looking things sticking up?" Brighteyes
asked, stooping over the bed.

"Well, sister, those are the roots of the plants," said Puff. "We heard
Tomty say that what the plants needed now was sun, and so we thought the
roots ought to have some sun too. So we have been turning them upside
down to save Tomty the trouble."

"Save Tomty the trouble, indeed!" said Brighteyes. "Why, you naughty
little mice, you have made twice as much trouble for him. The roots
don't want any sun, they like to be in the dark, just like owls and
bats. Now you have been naughty, and Uncle Jack will punish you."

Poor little twin mice! they looked very grave indeed. Fluffy's eyes
filled with tears, and she began to rub them with her little grimy
hands, which did not improve her appearance. But Puff said bravely:

"They do not _look_ a bit like owls, Brighteyes, or like bats either;
but if you are really sure that they ought to be in the ground, we will
put them back again."

"Well, here comes Tomty himself!" cried Brighteyes, "and you will see
what he says. See, Tomty!" she went on. "These naughty twinnies have
been turning the plants upside down, and spoiling them!"

"But we didn't mean to spoil them, Tomty!" cried the twins eagerly. "We
thought the roots ought to have the sun, and we only wanted to save you
the trouble, Tomty dear! and we are so sorry!"

Tomty rubbed his left ear, which he always did when he was put out. At
least a dozen of his best plants were ruined, but he could not scold the
little mice, whose little piteous faces were turned up to him
imploringly.

"Well, well!" he said. "To be sure! isn't that a pity now! but they're
young things, they're young things! never you mind, Missies, this time,
for there are plenty more plants. But remember:

"'Roots and moles, where'er they're found,
Like to burrow in the ground.'"

"Oh! yes, you good Tomty, we will remember!" cried the twins. "And we
will turn them all back again as quickly as we can."

"Well, Missies, you may do that," replied Tomty, "though it's all one
now to them plants if they're on their heads or their heels. But Miss
Brighteyes," he continued, turning to the elder mouse, who was looking
on w