(Rainy 



cause me to take hurried flight; but as I held 

 on he found himself more "up in the air*' than I 

 was. He stopped short, shut off his chatter, and 

 held himself at close range facing me, a picture 

 of furious study. This scene occurred in a brief 

 period that was undisturbed by either wind or 

 rain. We had a good look at each other. He was 

 every inch alive, but for a second or two both 

 his place and expression were fixed. He sat with 

 eyes full of telling wonder and with face that 

 showed intense curiosity. A dash of wind and 

 rain ended our interview, for after his explosive 

 introduction neither of us had uttered a sound. 

 He fled into his hole, and from this a moment 

 later thrust forth his head; but presently he 

 subsided and withdrew. As I began to climb 

 again, I heard muffled expletives from within his 

 tree that sounded plainly like "Fool, fool, fool ! " 

 The wind had tried hard to dislodge me, but, 

 seated on the small limbs and astride the slender 

 top, I held on. The tree shook and danced; 

 splendidly we charged, circled, looped, and an- 

 gled; such wild, exhilarating joy I have not else- 

 where experienced. At all times I could feel in 



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