THE SKUNK 
81 
“Yes, sir, it does." The children answered together. 
Uncle Ely laughed. Then he spoke to Mother as 
he walked away, “Better get out some fresh clothing 
for the children, Mary," he grinned at her. “They'll 
need it." 
Soon he was standing beside Buck and Ginger. 
“There are a mother and three babies," whispered 
Buck. “They don't act wild at all, Uncle Ely. Maybe 
I could catch them. They saw us, and they didn't 
run." 
Uncle Ely was sniffing. “You both all right?" he 
demanded. 
“Yes, sir. Why?" 
“Well, you're lucky. I really don't smell a thing. 
Not yet. Guess you didn't disturb them. I have told 
you to be quiet around strange animals, and it's a 
good thing you took my advice." 
“Why, Uncle Ely?" 
“That's not a cat and kittens, Ginger," Uncle Ely 
explained. “That's a very beautiful animal with a 
very ugly name—a skunk. Those are her babies. 
Baby skunks. They have fine fur." 
“Will they harm us?" 
“Not if you let them alone. But if you should even 
threaten one—goodness!" 
