The young who heed1 an elder’s warning
Show evidence of wisdom’s dawning.
Little Joe Otter2.
“Do you remember the terrible two-legged creature who chased us on our way from the Laughing Brook3 to this brook?” Little Joe Otter asked the two young Otters4.
Both nodded their heads. “I guess I do!” exclaimed one. “He gave me a dreadful fright.”
“Have you seen anything of him since we have been staying over here?” Mrs. Joe asked.
This time both the young Otters shook their heads. “No,” said the one who had spoken before. “The truth is, I had forgotten all about him. I guess he doesn’t know we are over here.”
“I guess he does,” said Little Joe Otter. “I know he does. He has set traps for us.”
“What are traps?” asked one of the young Otters.
“They are terrible things with awful jaws5 which are hidden where they are not likely to be seen and are always ready to jump up and seize an Otter by the leg. Then they will never let go, and there is no way of making them let go,” explained Little Joe.
The eyes of the young Otters grew round with wonder and fear. “But what have they to do with that terrible creature who chased us?” asked one of them............