"One, two, three, four, five," counted Buster.
"Yes, and the leaves on Ruth Giant's vine have five fingers. These wild leaves have only three fingers and you must never touch them. You see these berries are waxy white and the berries on Mr. Giant's woodbine were purple. Remember, Buster, unless the leaves have five fingers like your paws, they are poison ivy. Now trot along with Hopsy and Webbie over to Wild Rose Cottage. Tell Grand-daddy all about it and ask him to fix you up."
Dr. Whiskers washed the three scared little patients in salt water.
"I am afraid you will be some puffed-up youngsters in the morning," he said. "But I guess you will know poison ivy next time."
Sure enough, next morning poor Buster could hardly see out of his eyes. His face and paws were swelled and puffy and oh, how they itched!
"Simon Skunk meant to be kind to you, Buster, because Grand-daddy had been good to him," said Mother Graymouse.
"Next time I'll mind Simon and leave the old ivy alone, Mammy," promised Buster sadly.