the little sliding door open part way as if it had been forgotten,
and he also left the henyard gate open just as he had done the night
before.

"There now, Master Reddy, " said he, talking to himself, "I rather
think that you are going to get into trouble before morning."

And doubtless Reddy would have done just that thing but for the wisdom
of sly old Granny.



CHAPTER XXVII: Prickly Porky Takes A Sun Bath

Danger comes when least expected;
'T is often near when not expected.
- Old Granny Fox.

The long hard winter had passed, and Spring had come. Prickly Porky
the Porcupine came down from a tall poplar-tree and slowly stretched
himself. He was tired of eating. He was tired of swinging in the
tree-top.

"I believe I'll have a sun-bath," said Prickly Porky, and lazily
walked toward the edge of the Green Forest in search of a place
where the sun lay warm and bright.

Now Prickly Porky's stomach was very, very full. He was fat and
naturally lazy, so when he came to the doorstep of an old house just
on the edge of the Green Forest he sat down to rest. It was sunny