STORY IX

BUMPER ESCAPES ON A RAFT


Bumper took a long time to rest and get back some of his breath before he
ventured to the very mouth of the open sewer. As soon as he was sure that
the bats had abandoned the chase, he threw himself down and closed his
eyes from sheer weariness and exhaustion. Then, with returning strength
and hope, he raised himself on his two hind legs, and looked around him.

There was water at the mouth of the sewer, and he hopped toward it
eagerly. After lapping enough to satisfy his thirst, he began bathing
himself. He had never been so dirty before in all his life. He was
thankful the red-haired girl wasn't there to see him. She would perhaps
disown him.

This thought soothed his feelings a little, and he splashed around in the
water until most of the dust and dirt was washed off. Then finding a sunny
spot near the entrance, he hopped to it, and sprawled himself out to dry.

Meanwhile, he began examining his surroundings very carefully, and a
little anxiously. The sewer dipped down into the river and disappeared
from view, and on either side of it, and above it, were very steep walls.
No rabbit could climb them. The only other possible way out of the sewer
was by swimming.

Now Bumper had never learned to swim. Perhaps he could do it without
learning, but he felt afraid. None of his family had been swimmers, and
the river was certainly deep. From his place in the sun he could not see