166 GLOOSCAP AND OTHER STORIES

his skin from the bush; and in ten seconds more he was safe in the green wood, with his skin on as good and tight as ever!

Now you may think that the Badger had to be so quick about saving himself from the fire that he had no time to do any more mischief. But there you are mistaken! For, even while he jumped, his skill in wickedness did not for- sake him. He had just time enough to kick the edge of the kettle with his hind foot, and the kettle was overturned. All the scalding water went into the fire, and threw up the hot ashes with a great splatter,—cmd straight into the face of old Mrs. Bear they went, and put out both her eyes!

That was a. sad plight for Mrs. Bear, but she got her eyes back again another day.