“Yes, I ran away from that big noise,” admitted Winkie. “But what has that to do with it?”
“Running away always brings adventures,” answered Don. “At least it did to me. I was once a runaway dog. But I was glad to get back again, and I am very happy now.”
“Are you one of the farmer’s dogs that barked at my father and mother?” asked Winkie.
“No,” replied Don. “I never bark at woodchucks. I like them, and so does my master, who is very kind. But some men don’t like you ground-hogs, and they are always sending their dogs after you. They also set traps—those men do.”
“What are traps?” asked Winkie.
“Ha! There you go again—more questions!” chuckled the dog. “Well, I can tell you one thing—traps are very good things to keep out of. Once I caught my paw in a trap, and I was lame for a month after it. Keep away from traps, Winkie!”
“I’ll try!” promised the wily woodchuck. But she did not know what was soon going to happen to her.
So much talk seemed to make Winkie hungry, and, seeing some grass growing under a tree, she began to nibble the green blades.
“Why don’t you eat something,” she asked Don. “This grass is very sweet and good.”