WHEN MOTHER SKUNK HELPED LITTLE BEAR
Once upon a time Little Bear went for a long walk along the river path. He was alone, and so did not know that he had gone far from home until Father Kingfisher saw him and called:
"It is time for you to turn round and go back, Little Bear! You must remember that it will soon be dark in the woods, and you might get lost, for you have no wings with which to fly home quickly."
Little Bear looked for the sun. Sure enough, it was sinking behind the trees and leaving a long, shining trail on the river. It was time to go home.
"Thank you, Father Kingfisher," answered Little
Bear. "I was having such a good time that I forgot
I was far from our little house, but I shall run back
fast now. So good night!"
And away he ran. But before he had passed more than three bends of the river he saw a man fishing, and in the woods near by was a tent, with a bright camp fire burning, and beside the camp fire, a man cleaning a gun.
Little Bear was so frightened that he sat down and
[Illustration: Father Kingfisher saw him]
cried. Mother Skunk heard him, for she and her six children were out hunting beetles for supper.
"What is the trouble?" she asked. "What is the matter, Little Bear?"