u don't get up a little
higher into the tree; for though he can't climb, he is a pretty good
leaper. For my part, I scorn to run away from any animal, large or
small. Stay where you are, and you will see some fun.

* * * * *

The animal that now approached was a hungry young fox, who would
certainly have made a meal of the squirrel if he could have caught him.
But after trying to reach him, by jumping till he was tired, he gave it
up at last for a bad job; and then, spying the hedgehog, he dashed at
him, as if he had intended to have swallowed him at a single mouthful.
But Touchmenot was quite prepared for the attack, for he had rolled
himself up into a round ball, with nothing but sharp spines sticking
out on every side; and when the fox attempted to seize his prey, you
would have laughed to have seen how very much surprised and
disappointed he looked. As he was but young, though he appeared more
than half-grown, I suppose he had never seen a hedgehog before, or he
would not have acted so imprudently, for he pounced upon this ball of
spines as he would upon a rabbit, or a pheasant, but he soon found out
his mistake, and retreated to a little distance, howling dismally, and
licking his bleeding lips and nose.

When he recovered a little from his surprise, he made another attempt.
But now he proceeded more cautiously, and rolled old Touchmenot over
and over with his paws, hoping to find some part of him that was not
protected by this spiny coat of armour. He could make nothing of it!
This strange-looking ball was spines above, spines below--strong, sharp
spines on every side. It was really very provoking, for it contained a
nice meal inside, no doubt, if he could but get at it.

After watching his vain attempts for some time, the squirrels saw that
the fox had no chance of succeeding, and they made the best of their
way home, keeping on the trees for fear he should leave Touchmenot, and
follow them instead. However, they had nothing to fear from this silly
young fellow, for he seemed fully occupied in rolling this tiresome
ball about, but how long he continued his amusement, I cannot tell.
However, I must inform you, that the hedgehog boasted rather too much,
when he said he could set _all_ his enemies at defiance, by his strange
plan of defence; for though very few animals will venture to attack him
when rolled up, it sometimes happens that a thoroughly game and
courageous te