“How many brothers had you?” he asked.
“Two,” replied Washer sadly. “They were both dear to me, but I never saw them again.”
“Where was it that you fell in the river?” added the excited raccoon.
“Where the big pine lies in the river just above the falls. It was where mother took us to play on pleasant days.”
“What did your mother call you?” went on the speaker excitedly.
“Washer!”
The raccoon who had been asking these questions suddenly sprang toward Washer as if he intended to bite him; but instead of doing that he flung both front paws around his neck and hugged him.
“Don’t you know me, Washer?” he cried. “Don’t you know your own brother? I was with you that day, and heard you cry. I thought you were joking, and I didn’t reply. Then mother heard you, and she ran down to the river just in time to see you go over the falls. You’re my long lost brother?”
Washer was so surprised and overcome by this announcement that for a moment he could not speak. Tears of joy started from his eyes.