and ran back to see what was the
matter. Poor Spitta! He had been
playing with a hedgehog, and there,
in each paw was a long sharp spine
that he could not get out.

This is the only way a hedgehog
can protect himself. He cannot bite
like a dog or scratch lke a cat, and
so he throws these spines or prick-
les from his funny little body when-
ever he is in danger. —

Gretna took Spitta up in her arms,
and tried to get the spines out of his
poor little paws.

Then she went back to the house
and held him just as she would a
baby. It was funny to see him alt
done up in a blanket, holding out
his paws for Gretna to doctor!