THE HEDGEHOG 19°

excellent nurse sitting down upon him, since
this was not a proceeding which was likely
to make either a hedgehog or anybody else
feel very well disposed towards the person
who acted in such an unpleasant manner.
It was, however, absolutely necessary to
make friends with the important creature,
and the boy lost no time in attempting to
do so. He took off his cap with a very low
bow, and standing immediately opposite the
hedgehog, who was still shaking himself
and looking very uncomfortable, he thus
addressed him. ‘Noble sir, pray do not be
offended at the unfortunate accident which
has just occurred. I can assure you that it
was by no means the wish of my nurse to
insult or annoy you in any way.’

The hedgehog, not being averse from
flattery, was much pleased at being addressed
as ‘Noble sir,’ which had never happened
before, and also at the politeness of Hurly-
Burly in taking off his cap when he spoke
to him. So he left off growling and shaking
himself, and at once made answer to the
boy.

‘Well, he said, ‘I daresay the old
lumberer didn’t mean it, and, for the matter