--- Tove Jansson, in Comet in Moominland (Moomins, 2), Chapter 8 (h/t Susan T)
Excerpt
“Now we should tell a story,” said Sniff, turning to the smallest of the small creatures. “Do you know one, Little Creep?”
“Oh, no, really,” whispered the Little Creep, who was terribly shy. “Oh, no, well, really, perhaps.”
“Well, out with it, then,” said Sniff.
“There was a wood rat called Poot,” said the Little Creep, looking shyly between her paws.
“Well, what happened then?” prompted Sniff.
“The story’s finished now,” said the Little Creep, and burrowed into the moss in confusion.
They all roared with laughter, and those who had tails beat them on the ground in appreciation.
