THE SKUNK 
83 
squirt a spoonful or so of yellowish liquid. When he 
lifts his tail and squats ever so slightly, he can squirt 
it as far as fifteen feet. 
“This liquid comes out in a fine spray, and instantly 
turns to vapor. Then it is somewhat like gas from 
your cookstove at home, except that it smells much 
worse. Much worse! It is the worst'smelling odor in 
the world, I suppose.” 
Buck and Ginger were staring in wonder. 
“Is it poisonous?” Buck asked. “Like war gas?” 
“No, not quite that bad. It could put out your 
eyes, or even suffocate you if you were in a small 
cave or hollow log with it. But it just smells! Its 
smell is so very unpleasant that all other animals fear 
it. It lingers for days, if it gets on your clothing or 
body. The skunk has long ago learned that other 
animals will let it alone, if it merely squirts out a bit 
of gas, so it doesn't try to fight or run. It doesn't have 
to. That's what I meant by lifting their tails and 
letting you run. Come on; it is best to go away from 
them and let them alone. If they try to squirt us, we 
may have to move our entire camp.” 
With Buck holding one hand and Ginger the other, 
the big outdoor man led them back to the car and 
trailer. He sat down in his folding chair. 
