Bumper gave a big jump through the bushes, and landed close to the place where Killer was coiled. Near him was Hermit’s nest in a small bush just off the ground. A tiny greenish egg was in it.
“Killer, if you break the law of the woods you’ll be punished,” Bumper exclaimed in anger. “The truce between the animals and birds hasn’t ended yet.”
Killer turned defiantly upon the white rabbit, and hissed: “Don’t bother your head, Bumper. This egg doesn’t belong to you. Now run along, and forget it.”
“You remember what I did to you the other day, Killer,” Bumper replied. “Well, this time you won’t get off so easily. If you don’t go away immediately, I’ll call all the birds and animals of the woods to punish you. They will outlaw you, and be your enemy forever.”
“That wouldn’t be anything new, Bumper,” hissed Killer. “They’re my enemies now. I’m going to have this egg for my breakfast. I’m mighty hungry.”
“No, you’re not,” answered Bumper, springing toward him. Killer dodged back and then shot his head forward as if to strike, but Bumper dodged and landed on the other side. His idea was to play the same game on Killer that had been so successful before but they were in a tangled thicket now, and not out in an open space.
He soon found it impossible to run around Killer in a circle until he got him dizzy watching. Indeed, Killer had the advantage of him. He could turn and crawl through the thicket much faster than the rabbit. Once in his effort to escape the darting head of the snake, Bumper stumbled and got caught in the bushes. Killer laughed heartily.
“In another minute I’d had you,” he said. “You can’t play that old trick on me in here. If you don’t look out I’ll get you yet, and choke you to death. If I once coil my body around you it will be the last time you’ll interfere with me.”
Bumper began to realize that he was in real danger, for there was little room in the bushes for him to hop around, and if he got caught once in the thicket Killer could crawl upon him and strangle him to death. So he had to be more cautious. He kept at a greater distance, but made darts at the serpent as if he intended to jump at him. Killer approached nearer, driving him further and further away from the nest.
“Now come on and fight me,” Killer jeered. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid of me?”