The Snapping Peg

I tapped the ridged tail of a wooden clothespin with both floating paws, and snap—its front jaws sprang wide open! I let out a surprised squeak and hopped back, watching the metal spring glint in the noon light. When I nudged it again, the wooden mouth clamped shut with a sharp little clack. That gave me a brilliant idea! I dragged the corner of a thick blue paper napkin across the placemat and shoved the edge right between its wooden teeth. Releasing the spring, the peg clamped down tight, propping the napkin upright into a peaked little tent! I wriggled right underneath the paper canopy, giggling as my cozy new fort shaded my toes.