More of the Blackbird Family 



Jimmy Skunk, to think of robbing such a beautiful 

 singer as Bubbling Bob." 



"Pooh!" retorted Jimmy. "What's the 

 harm? If I find those eggs he and Mrs. Bob 

 could simply build another nest and lay some 

 more. They won't be any the worse off, and I 

 will have had a good breakfast." 



"But think of all the work they would have to 

 do to build another nest," replied Peter. 



"I should worry," retorted Jimmy Skunk. 

 "Any one who can spend so much time singing 

 can afford to do a little extra work." 



"You're horrid, Jimmy Skunk. You're just 

 horrid," said Peter. "I hope you won't find a 

 single egg, so there !" 



With this, Peter once more headed for the dear 

 Old Briar-patch, while Jimmy Skunk continued 

 toward the place where Bubbling Bob had disap- 

 peared in the long grass. Peter went only a short 

 distance and then sat up to watch Jimmy Skunk. 

 Just before Jimmy reached the place where Bub- 

 bling Bob had disappeared, the latter mounted 

 into the air again, pouring out his rollicking song 

 as if there were no room in his heart for anything 

 but happiness. Then he saw Jimmy Skunk and 

 became very much excited. He flew down in 

 the grass a little farther on and then up again* 

 and began to scold. 



195] 



