“‘Then how can the Fire burn you?’
“The Stick was dumb, and Mr. Rabbit asked the Fire, ‘Are you very strong?’
“‘Anybody will tell you so,’ the Fire answered.
“‘How can the Water quench you?’
“The Fire hid behind the smoke. Then Mr. Rabbit asked the Water, ‘Are you very strong?’
“‘Strong is no name for it,’ said the Water.
“‘How can the Ice cover you?’
“The Water went running down the river, and after it had gone the Ice said to Mr. Rabbit, ‘You see you had to come back to me at last.’
“‘Yes,’ replied Mr. Rabbit, ‘and now I am going away. You are too much for me.’ Then Mr. Rabbit loped off, rubbing his bruises.”
“Was it really you, Mr. Rabbit?” asked Sweetest Susan.