Spotted Tail was deeply upset by this interruption, and Bumper’s wits, coming to his rescue, made him smile. Speaking at a venture, he addressed the rat-like animal.
“I’ll ask them not to do it again, Mr. Beaver. Of course, it is very annoying to be disturbed when asleep by people climbing over the roof of your house.”
“Thank you!” replied Mr. Beaver, dipping into the water and swimming back to his dam. Bumper pointed to the dam across the stream, and said to Spotted Tail: “There’s Mr. Beaver’s house.”
STORY V
A TEST OF FLEETNESS
Confident that he had Bumper cornered, and that nothing but the timely appearance of Mr. Beaver had saved him from disgraceful confession, Spotted Tail returned to the burrow in an angry mood. He had not stopped even to look when Bumper triumphantly pointed out the beaver dam. He had hoped to be able to tell the others how Bumper was ignorant of such a common thing as a beaver’s dam, and now he had nothing but an empty triumph. Mr. Beaver had spoilt everything for him—that and Bumper’s ready wit.
But he was all the more determined to show him up. He began to brag about his knowledge of woodcraft, telling many stories of his shrewdness and skill. Bumper remained quiet, and listened with the others.
Spotted Tail then switched to another subject. “But it takes more than knowledge and skill to be a good leader,” he said. “One must be as swift as the wind as well as wise as the owl.”
He stopped suddenly and turned to the white rabbit. “A king ought to be the swiftest runner of his people, Bumper. Don’t you think so?”
“Yes, I suppose he should be, if—”
“Then are you the fleetest runner in the woods?” interrupted Spotted Tail.