“I’m out walking,” said the Hedgehog.
“Walking?” grinned the Hare. “I should have thought you could use your legs for something better!”
This remark annoyed the Hedgehog, for, though he was a good-natured fellow enough, he was touchy on the subject of his legs, which were, by nature, bandy.
“I suppose,” he said tartly, “you think your legs are better than mine?”
“That I do,” said the Hare.
“It remains to be seen,” said the Hedgehog. “I bet you that if we two were to run a race I should outstrip you.”
“Absurd!” cried the Hare. “You with your crooked legs! But if you’re so anxious to try, I’ve no objection. What do you wager?”
“A golden guinea,” said the Hedgehog.
“Done!” said the Hare. “We’ll start right away!”
“Oh, don’t be in such a hurry,” said the Hedgehog. “I haven’t had my breakfast yet, and I feel a bit faint. I’ll come back here in an hour.”