SATAN THE RACCOON 



the cold air from the nest inside. I expected 

 Satan would have to be taught the use of 

 the swinging door. After everything was 

 arranged I put Satan into the cage, and at 

 once he saw the change that had been made. 

 He investigated the passage with his handy 

 paws, and when he found he could move the 

 swinging door he passed through into the 

 box inside. After he had satisfied himself 

 that the nest was all right, he came out. 



To tell the truth, I was somewhat sur- 

 prised by the ingenuity displayed. Satan's 

 comprehension was equal to that of a human 

 being. I removed the chain and collar, and 

 the coon and I settled down for the winter. 

 I had arranged a cover to Satan's nest-box, 

 and evenings I would give him the freedom of 

 the cabin. Inside of a week he knew the 

 contents of the cabin better than I did. The 

 light puzzled him. Once, and once only, he 

 touched the lamp-chimney. He would look 

 on gravely while I would blow out the lamp 

 and relight it again. 



One night I forgot to fasten the cover in 

 49 





