The well in the wood

by Bert Leston Taylor

“Sam!” called the Great Huge Bear.

“Yessir!” replied the Oldest Coon, running up on the table.

“A bowl of porridge for Just Buddie.”

“There ain’t no more porridge,” said the Oldest Coon.

“Anything else?” inquired the Great Huge Bear, anxiously.

“Have you any meat and potatoes?” Buddie asked the Oldest Coon, who again shook his head.

“Well, what have you got?” asked Buddie. The Great Huge Bear meant well, no doubt, but evidently his pantry was not stocked with things that little girls like.

“Honey and blueberries?” suggested Sam.

“Goody!” cried Buddie; and the Oldest Coon fetched a big dishful. And you may be sure they were good, Little One, for bears are great judges of honey and blueberries.

When every one had finished dinner the Donkey rapped on the table and announced that, by request, he wished to make a short speech.