“A fairy story,” ventured Buddie.
“I don’t know any fairy stories,” said the ’Possum.
“A good ghost story would suit me,” said the Donkey.
“I never tell ghost stories by daylight,” said the ’Possum.
“Oh, well, give us anything, only be quick about it,” said the Rabbit, who was impatient for the journey’s end.
“Last summer,” began the guide, “I was fishing for trout in the headwaters of Flute River.”
A long pause.
“Well?” said the Yellow Dog.
“It weighed six pounds,” finished the guide.
“That’s the way to tell a story,” said the Donkey, rising. “Skip the details and get at the important facts. Forward! March!”