At last they drew up beside an enormous chamber illuminated by points of light set like diamonds in the deep blue of a vaulted ceiling, to give the effect of stars. Snythergen was overjoyed when he saw his bed. Actually it was several feet longer than he was. For once he would not have to sleep twisted up in a circle, but could lie full length like any one else. When Squeaky got into his little bed he was surprised to find a silk tassel sewed to each of the blankets and sheets, and wondered what it was for. Pig-like he had to experiment. He pulled one and to his amazement it resisted. It was as if some one concealed in the foot of the bed were trying to pull it away from him. No wonder the tassel slipped from his grasp! A blanket ran away, disappearing into the footboard with a bang. Squeaky was so shocked he fell to the floor and when he got into bed again the blanket was nowhere to be seen. He pulled another tassel. This time a sheet made off. He tried others, and by the time he was through pulling tassels every bit of bedding had disappeared and he could not find any of it. Shivering with cold he called Snythergen. But the room was too big and the beds too far apart for Squeaky to make himself heard. “What’s this?” he cried, upsetting something on a stand beside his bed. It was a little telephone. Consulting the directory he found a number opposite “Big Bed.” When he removed the receiver a bright voice chirped “Merry Christmas.” It was central and Squeaky gave the number. Snythergen heard soft chimes at his bedside, and when he saw it was the telephone he did not remove the receiver at once, for he was enjoying the sweet tinkling sounds. When at last he did answer, Squeaky was very impatient. “Why didn’t you answer?” he demanded. “What’s the matter?” asked Snythergen. “Somebody’s stealing the bed clothes, and I am almost frozen. I can’t find a stitch of covering.” “Is that all? I will be right over,” and in a moment Snythergen stood beside the pig’s bed. When he saw what had happened to Squeaky he leaned back and laughed until another great tear splashed down upon the pig. “I didn’t call you over to give me a bath,” said Squeaky. “You’re only making matters worse,—and what are you laughing at anyway! I can’t see anything amusing.” “Why, you poor pig!” cried Snythergen, as soon as he could control his voice. “Can’t you see that the bed clothes wind up in the foot of the bed on rolls like window shades? All you need do is to lean over and pull the silk cords, but you must grasp them firmly. You can pull up or take off as much bedding as you like without getting out of bed. Now good night, I’m sleepy!” said Snythergen and he went back to his bed for the first comfortable night’s sleep of his life. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER XV TOY FOODS