For the first part of the story, click here.
The branches of the forest trees scraped against the dome of the dusky sky as if to sweep the stars away. Creatures of unknown kind croaked and rustled in the swamp beyond. Only a very brave or very foolish cat would step out into such a time and place, but without bravery and foolishness there would be no adventures, and an adventure was just what Peeps craved. Out she went.
She had not gone far when a large shape lunged at her. It was only the father of the family trying to push her back inside, but in the dim light she mistook him for a predator. Instinct took over and she fled. The trees, so threatening before, now seemed to promise shelter, and she plunged into the darkness. She ran blindly until, gasping for air, she could run no more. She plopped down onto the moist ground, and there she lay for some time.
The cold and dampness finally roused her and how miserable she was then! She had been whipped by branches and scratched by thorns, nibbled on by mosquitoes and scared senseless by the unfamiliarity of it all. She already missed her food dish and her favorite pillow and her loving people. She even missed the sour white cat and the arrogant black one. “I’m lost!” she cried. “I’m miles away from home and I’m so tired. I will never find my way back!”
Poor Peeps! Plump and out of shape as she was, she thought she had traveled miles, but had she simply stood up and glanced to her right, she would have seen the bright lights of the house not far away at all.
“Excuse me,” said a gravelly voice to her left…
