the Bat than he could think of nothing else. So he watched until the
way was clear, and then he started for the Smiling Pool as fast as he
could go, lipperty-lipperty-lip. He hoped he would find Grandfather
Frog sitting as usual on his big green lily-pad, and that he would be
good-natured. If he wasn't feeling good-natured, it would be of no use
to ask him for a story.

When Peter reached the Smiling Pool he was disappointed, terribly
disappointed. The big green lily-pad was there, but there was no one
sitting on it. Somehow the Smiling Pool didn't seem quite like itself
without Grandfather Frog sitting there watching for foolish green
flies. Peter's face showed just how disappointed he felt. He was just
going to turn away when a great, deep voice said:

"Chug-a-rum! Where are your manners, Peter Rabbit, that you forget to
speak to your elders?"

Peter stared eagerly into the Smiling Pool, and presently he saw two
great, goggly eyes and the top of a green head, way out almost in the
middle of the Smiling Pool. It was Grandfather Frog himself, having
his morning swim.

"Oh, Grandfather Frog, I didn't see you at all!" cried Peter, "If I
had, of course I would have spoken. The fact is, I--I--"

"You want a story," finished Grandfather Frog for him. "You can't fool
me, Peter Rabbit. You came over here just to ask me for a story. I
know you, Peter! I know you! Well, what is it this time?"

"If you please," replied Peter politely and happily, for he saw that