Those are the shortest quills, and seem very slightly fixed in
its skin. The long quills bent aside when Juno pressed against them.'
`You are perfectly right, my boy,' said I, `there is no truth in the
old idea of shooting out the spines. But now, shall we leave this
prickly booty of yours, or attempt to take it with us?'
`Oh, please, father, let us take it! Why, it is good to eat!'
Smiling at the child's eagerness, and willing to please him, I made a
somewhat awkward bundle of the porcupine, wrapping it in several folds
of cloth, and added it to the donkey's load.
Our party then resumed the march, which, with little interruption, was
continued steadily, until we came in sight of our future place of
residence.
The wonderful appearance of the enormous trees, and the calm beauty of
the spot altogether, fully came up to the enthusiastic description
which had been given to me. And my wife gladly heard me say that if an
abode could be contrived among the branches, it would be the safest and
most charming home in the world.
We hastily unloaded the ass and cow, securing them, as well as the
sheep and goats, by tying their fore-feet loosely together.
The doves and poultry were set at liberty, and we sat down to rest
among the soft herbage while we laid our plans for the night.
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