It was a precarious pilgrimage, but we 

 moved gently and managed not to out- 

 rage the little animal's feelings. 



When the men saw us coming 

 across the creek, with one accord they 

 all went in and took a drink. 



We gingerly urged Mr. Skunk into 

 the big cage, and with the greatest cau- 

 tion, never making a sudden move, I 

 took his picture. All was as merry as a 

 marriage bell, and might have continued 

 so but for that puppy Sim. That is the 

 trouble with skunks; they will lose 

 their manners if startled, and dogs startle 

 skunks. 



Of course the puppy barked; of 

 course the skunk did not like it. He 

 ruffled up his cold black nose, and ele- 

 vated his bushy tail — his beautiful, 

 plumy tail. I opened the door of his 

 cage and, snatching the puppy, fled. 



