Chapter 1 MY DEAREST SON A cool crisp breeze blew through the lazy willow trees This breeze marked the change in seasons It swept away the longer carefree summer days Now the autumn months for winter preparation were blowing into Tanner's Glen A small field mouse sat perched on an old ash log in the middle of the glen He gazed about in wonder and thought of this change of seasons He was a handsome field mouse small yet distinguished His silky gray coat was offset by his long whiskers This field mouse was lost in his thoughts He watched leaves float underneath darkening clouds He had completely lost track of the time A strong gust chilled the small mouse and he pulled his waistcoat tight Just then the
familiar chime of his pocket watch sang out He carefully removed the watch from his breast pocket and opened it It was six o clock The mouse thought about his family and wondered what they were doing at that moment He knew his mother would be preparing supper She would worry if he were any later Maximilian ran his paw over the engraving on the polished silver pocket watch case It said To My Dearest Son Maximilian P Mouse
This watch was his most cherished possession His father had given it to him on his first birthday That was just before he disappeared Maximilian wondered where his father could be He hoped he was safe Maximilian finally noticed how quickly the weather was changing He jumped to the ground and disappeared into the woods A storm was building and Maximilian needed to get home soon He scurried down a beaten path He and his mother had walked it when they had collected blackberries months ago Even though the long blades of the sweetgrass blocked his view Maximilian knew the way by heart Up ahead he could make out the warm glow of a single candle Its light was emanating from the oak tree the Mouse family called home The oak tree was one of the largest and most impressive in the woods It had survived countless storms mostly unharmed It was the only home Maximilian had ever known
