Jemima became much alarmed.

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A moment afterwards there were most awful noises--barking, baying, growls
and howls, squealing and groans.

And nothing more was ever seen of that foxy-whiskered gentleman.

Presently Kep opened the door of the shed, and let out Jemima Puddle-duck.

[Illustration]

Unfortunately the puppies rushed in and gobbled up all the eggs before he
could stop them.

He had a bite on his ear and both the puppies were limping.

[Illustration]

Jemima Puddle-duck was escorted home in tears on account of those eggs.

[Illustration]

She laid some more in June, and she was permitted to keep them herself:
but only four of them hatched.

Jemima Puddle-duck said that it was because of her nerves; but she had
always been a bad sitter.