IS9 



evening, after a search of nearly an h6ur. He 

 found her at home in the barrel in the neglected 

 corner, and there with her were nine little opos- 

 sums — her babies. 



Tiny little things those babies were. So small 

 that they could all get into the soft, warm pouch 

 that TMother 'Possum has just under her stomach. 



Little Opossums and their Mother 



In this way she could carry them about with her 

 where she chose, and feel sure that they were safe. 



Patrick stared and wondered, while Mother 

 'Possum opened her mouth and threatened him if 

 he should dare to touch her or her babies. 



Then Patrick put a board over the barrel so that 

 the opossum could not escape, and weighted it 



