"Well, that is funny," said Jack. "I wonder how he manages to do it?"

"He knows the trick of it," said Tom; "for you can't possibly open him
against his will."

The boys left the hedgehog to uncurl himself when he pleased, and next
went to a cucumber frame where Charley kept a pet toad.

"Don't toads spit poison?" asked Jack.

"No; that's all nonsense. Their skins secrete something unpleasant,
which they can make come out of it when they are frightened or in
danger. Dogs don't like catching hold of a toad with their mouths; but
they are perfectly harmless, in fact they are very useful in a garden,
as they eat slugs, beetles, caterpillars, and earwigs. See, this one
will eat out of my hand; but I must find something for him first."

Charley soon found a fat little slug, which he brought to the toad; and
he at once ate it from his hand.

"I'll find you something else, old boy;" and Charley soon found a fly,
which was snapped up by the toad in a twinkling.

"What beautiful bright eyes he has!" said Jack.

"Yes; and he makes good use of them, too. Didn't you notice how quickly
he darted out his tongue after the fly?--I say, Mr. Toad, I believe you
are growing out of your skin."