his split nose. He sprang up and started to
run, when the Bear struck at him and pulled his tail off, but the Rabbit
was too quick for them and got away.
moonky] HOW THE WILDCAT CAUGHT THE GOBBLES 269
18. WHY THE POSSUM'S TAIL IS BARE
The Possum used to have a long, bushy tail, and was so proud of it
that he combed it oul every morning and sang about it ai the dance.
until tlic Rabbit, who had had no tail since the Bear pulled it out.
became very jealous and made up his mind to play the Possum a i rick.
There was to be a great council and a dance at which all the animals
were to he present. It was the Rabbit's business to send out the news.
so a- he was passingwent to the Possum's house ami said he
had conic to gei him ready for the dance. So the Possum stretched
himself out and shut his eyes while the Cricket combed out his tail and
wrapped a red string around it to keep it smooth until night. Hut all
this time, as he wound the string around, he was clipping oil' the hair
close to the roots, and the Possum never knew it.
When it was night the Possum went to the townhouse where the
dance was to he and found the best seat ready for him. just as the Rab-
liit had promised. When his turn came in the dance he loosened the
string from his tail and stepped into the middle of the floor. The
drummers began to drum and the Possum began to sine-. "See