When they came to the very edge of the forest, Chouse dashed around and jumped up and down in great excitement. At last they had reached the place to which he had been leading them. And no wonder that Chouse was so excited, for right in front of them, just a few feet from the line of trees, there was a fire! "Oh, Father, will the whole forest burn down?" asked Greta, as she watched the flames which crackled through the pile of twigs and underbrush. "No, Greta. Thanks to Chouse, we got here in time. But if the wind should change suddenly, the whole forest could very easily burn down." "How did such a fire ever get started?" "I told old Peter to clear out some of the twigs and underbrush," explained her father, "but I also told him that he must never go away when these piles were burning. He must stay with them every minute." "I wonder where he is now?" "I don't know. But he should be right here, watching this fire." "If the wind did change, how would he put out the fire?" "By throwing earth on it, Greta." While they were talking, Chouse was standing near by, wagging his tail and looking very proud of himself. [Illustration: IN THE FOREST] "Chouse, you are the best dog in the whole wide world," said the happy little girl. "First you rescued my kittens and now you have saved the whole forest from burning. We couldn't possibly send Chouse away. Could we, Father?" Her father didn't answer right away. Finally he said, "By the way, Greta, have you named the kittens yet?" "No, I haven't. I've been trying to think of some very special sort of names, but I just can't think of any." "Maybe Anna can help you find the right names," her father suggested. "Of course she can. But I wonder when Anna is coming? I haven't heard from her yet." "Why don't you run home and see if you got a letter this morning? I must stay here and watch this fire until old Peter comes." "All right, Father." It didn't take Greta long to get home. Even Chouse could hardly keep up with her. She hadn't been away from her kittens for this long a time since the day Chouse had rescued them. You would never know now that they had been almost drowned. Their fur was just as soft and fluffy as it had ever been. "Oh, there you are, Greta. I've been looking everywhere for you." Her mother greeted her at the door of the house. "Here is a letter for you from Anna." Greta read the letter eagerly. "_Dear Greta:_ _Thank you for your nice invitation. I shall be very happy to come. Can you meet me at the train at Holstebro? I shall arrive next Monday at half past two._ _Lovingly yours, Anna_" "Another letter came this morning, Greta, and I have a real surprise for you." [Illustration: THE LETTER FROM ANNA] "Oh, Mother, what is it?" Greta's eyes were already dancing with happiness. "We are invited to Vosborg for dinner next week."