“Part of the way, then,” said the squirrel. It hopped along and the soldier followed, until all at once it had vanished.
Then a hedgehog came rustling along.
“Come with me and I’ll show you the stile,” it said.
“Go with you? not if I know it.”
But in spite of his remark the hedgehog followed him.
Next an adder joined them. It was very genteel; it lisped and could twist itself into a knot.
“Follow me,” it said, “I will show you the stile.”
“I follow,” said Cask.
“But you mutht be genteel; you muthtn’t t stread as me. I like nithe people.”
“Well, a soldier isn’t exactly genteel,” said Cask, “but I’m not so terribly uncouth.”