And he heard more clearly the raucous tumult of the jay and the musical chattering of the red squirrels.
All these things were satisfactory to Peter.

They were life, and life thrilled him, just as it had thrilled his master a few days ago.

He adventured a little distance up to the edge of the green willows and the young birch and the crimson masses of fire flowers that fringed the beginning of the forest.

It had rained recently here, and the scents were fresh and sweet.
He found a wild currant bush, glistening with its luscious black berries, and began nibbling at them.

A gopher, coming to his supper bush, gave a little squeak of annoyance, and Peter saw the bright eyes of the midget glaring at him from under a big fern leaf.