Camping With Old Ben 259 



cause my teeth are not so sharp. I cannot go 

 into my shell like the turtle when I am threat- 

 ened because I have no shell. I have no nim- 

 ble wits like the fox. If something is not 

 done my kind will be exterminated.' 



" When the kind wood nymph saw the 

 skunk's sorrowful face, she was troubled, for 

 it saddens her to see any of her creatures 

 grieve. 



" She pondered long and deeply upon the 

 subject, and then a bright smile overspread 

 her face. When the skunk saw the smile, he 

 was glad because he knew that the good wood 

 nymph had thought of something fine for 

 him. 



" ' Mr. Skunk/ said the wood nymph in her 

 sweetest tones, ' I am most sorry that you 

 were left so defenseless, and I have thought 

 of a plan. I will give you this wonderful 

 smelling bottle, and whenever any of your 

 enemies trouble you, just take out the cork.' 



" Mr. Skunk took the magic bottle, and 

 hurried away, eager to try it upon some one 

 of his enemies. 



