Bouncer, the rabbit, lived in a burrow on Farmer Southey’s farm. He had one torn ear and whenever anyone asked him how it was torn, he sighed and said, “That’s a long and sad tale!” “It happened when Farmer Southey shot me!” he began, “You see, Farmer Southey was a very angry man and he disliked beautiful creatures like rabbits. So when he saw me, he felt very upset. He went in and got his gun. There I was sitting peacefully, and he shot me! And it tore my ear!” “But what were you doing?” asked the farm creatures. “I just told you. There I was, sitting peacefully, chewing a carrot, with some lettuce to follow,” said Bouncer. “But where did you get the carrot and lettuce from?” they asked. “Farmer Southey’s vegetable garden, of course!” he replied. The animals burst out laughing. “No wonder he shot you, Bouncer! You have been robbing his garden!”
Bouncer’s Tale
