Two weeks passed, the class had worked hard, and even Black Ribbon had pulled up wonderfully, but Silver Ribbon had the highest number of marks. The time for prize-giving, however, had not come, but the pupils were to get a rest for two or three days before going through a special examination, which would last half a day. When this was over the prizes would be given, and then there would be the glorious holidays, with excursions far into the forest. Meantime Silver Ribbon got the preliminary silver medal attached to her neck. The other pupils crowded around her, congratulated her, and kissed her. Black Ribbon took her hand in his, and in a simple boyish way promised her a nut. Then they all carried her home shoulder high, singing and dancing merrily. Her mother, a kind, thin, old squirrel, with soft, black, melting eyes, was quite excited as she received her victorious daughter with a good big hug and many kisses. But her father, who was a stout, gruff-toned squirrel, though not unkind, was suspicious. "I can't understand," said he, "why a girl that never does anything but play--never studies at home--should be the very head of a class of clever boys and girls. There is no special gift in our family to explain it: I fear there is something wrong." And, sad to say, her father's honest suspicion was too well founded. The explanation is this. One day shortly after the class was formed, and when the other squirrels had all gone home from play, either to study or help their parents, Silver Ribbon remained stealthily behind to amuse herself as best she could. Hearing a soft noise in the tree upon whose branches she was leaping and running, she turned quickly round and saw a large, dark snake with gleaming, piercing eyes. She was frightened and was about to run away, which she could easily have done, as the reptile was not very near, but it spoke at once, and in a soft, attractive, motherly voice persuaded her to stay a minute. "Do you wish to be at the head of your class, dear?" enquired the snake. "I do indeed," answered Silver Ribbon, "it is a great honor." "You can easily secure it," said the snake. "Without labor and trouble?" enquired the squirrel. "Yes, if you do what I tell you." "What shall I do?" asked the squirrel. "What is your position in the class at present?" the reptile asked. "I am second, but I have reached it mainly by a cunning copying from the other slates, and I fear I can't keep that up long." "You suffer slightly from a weak spine, don't you?" enquired the snake in a sympathetic tone. "I do," said Silver Ribbon.