You couldn’t blame him for wanting to save that long tramp down the river and back, and nobody but Mr. Beaver would have objected to his crossing the dam. Bumper hoped that by hopping along gently he wouldn’t attract Mr. Beaver’s attention. But it is very difficult to walk across the roof of a house and not attract the attention of those living in it.
No sooner had Bumper got fairly well on the top of the dam, than there was an angry growl inside. Then almost before he could think, up came Mr. Beaver, snorting and spouting water from his nose.
“What are you doing on my dam?” he demanded. “Don’t you know that nobody is allowed to cross it?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Beaver,” replied Bumper. “I’ve been a long distance today, and when I reached the river I felt too tired to go down by the bridge. I thought if I stepped very softly it wouldn’t disturb you.”
“Well, it did! Now go back and take the bridge, and don’t you ever dare cross this dam again.”
“But the bridge is a mile down stream,” replied Bumper, “and I’m half way across the dam. Surely you’ll let me go on now.”
“No, you can’t go another step.”
Mr. Beaver stood directly in his way so he could not cross without passing close to him. Mr. Beaver’s refusal angered Bumper for a moment, and instead of turning around to obey he decided he’d trick Mr. Beaver. He could easily leap over his head and run away from him.
“You’re not very friendly to make me do that,” Bumper replied, still watching for his chance.
“I don’t intend to be friendly,” was the prompt retort. “I only want to be let alone. Now go back!”