A plate of fried ham had just been cleared and sent back for more,
when the Badger entered, yawning and rubbing his eyes, and greeted
them all in his quiet, simple way, with kind enquiries for every one.
'It must be getting on for luncheon time,' he remarked to the Otter.
'Better stop and have it with us. You must be hungry, this cold
morning.'
'Rather!' replied the Otter, winking at the Mole. 'The sight of these
greedy young hedgehogs stuffing themselves with fried ham makes me
feel positively famished.'
The hedgehogs, who were just beginning to feel hungry again after
their porridge, and after working so hard at their frying, looked
timidly up at Mr. Badger, but were too shy to say anything.
'Here, you two youngsters be off home to your mother,' said the Badger
kindly. 'I'll send some one with you to show you the way. You won't
want any dinner to-day, I'll be bound.'
He gave them sixpence apiece and a pat on the head, and they went off
with much respectful swinging of caps and touching of forelocks.
Presently they all sat down to luncheon together.
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