Their hearts beat fast with fear. But the old woman spoke gently to them. Soon she opened her hand and let them go. Day after day they grew closer to her. They would climb into her workbasket, sit on her shoulder, or snuggle in her lap as she sewed. They made long trips to explore all over the house. The house was amazing. They climbed up the stairs and into all the rooms. And when they returned to the chestnut tree, they told all the other squirrels about their adventures.