"Oh, how wise he is!" thought Turkey Hen, beginning to understand what her husband was driving at.
"You see, Master Porcupine," continued Turkey Gobbler, "we all like our little jokes. I will not speak for myself. Why not have a little joke? And as I see it, you, Mr. Porcupine, seem also to be of a merry disposition."
"And you guessed right," admitted Porcupine, once more showing his little black snout. "I have such a merry disposition that I cannot sleep at night. Many cannot stand that, but sleeping bores me."
"You will probably agree best with our Rooster, who crows like mad all night," said Turkey Gobbler.
Everybody suddenly became gay. They all felt Porcupine was there to complete their happiness.
Turkey Gobbler was triumphant at so cleverly getting out of an awkward situation caused by Porcupine's laughing in his face and calling him stupid.
"Now Mr. Porcupine," said Turkey Gobbler, winking, "confess that even you were joking when you said that I was not a wise bird."
"Of course, I was joking," said Porcupine, reassuring him. "I have a merry disposition. I love to joke."
"Yes, yes, I was quite sure of that. Ladies and gentlemen, have you heard him?" asked Turkey Gobbler.
"Of course, we did. No one could doubt it. He was joking."