Uncle Wiggily thought quickly. He did not want to be a dinner for the fox, so he said:
“Before you eat would you not like to guess a riddle?”
“Yes,” said the fox, “I would. What is it?”
“And do you promise not to eat me until you guess it?” asked Uncle Wiggily.
“I do,” said the fox. “But that will not save you, for I can guess any riddle that ever was,” and he fluffed up his tail, proud like and saucy.
“Then guess this,” said Uncle Wiggily, and now he had no trouble saying Peter Piper picked the peck of pickled peppers. “Where is the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?” suddenly asked Uncle Wiggily of the fox. The bad animal thought for a second and then he said:
“If Peter pickled pecked a pick of pipered pickles. A pick of Petered Pipers——”
“Oh, no!” laughed Uncle Wiggily. “You’re a bit twisted. Try again.” The fox did so.
“If Papper Peter pecked a pit of piddled poppers——”
“Worse than ever,” said the bunny uncle. “I think you will not find it as easy as you thought. Once more, please, and try it a bit slower.”