Page:Bambi A Life in the Woods (1928).pdf/127

told how He had a third hand, not two hands merely, but a third hand.

“That’s an old story,” Nettla said curtly, “I don’t believe it.”

“Is that so?” Ronno broke in. “Then what did he shatter my leg with? Can you tell me that?” Old Nettla answered carelessly, “That’s your affair, my dear, He’s never shattered any of mine.”

Aunt Ena said, “I’ve seen a good deal in my time, and I think there’s something in the story that He has a third hand.”

“I agree with you,” young Karus said politely. “I have a friend, a crow. . . .” He paused, embarrassed for a moment, and looked around at them, one after the other, as though he were afraid of being laughed at. But when he saw that they were listening attentively to him he went on. “This crow is unusually well informed, I must say that. Surprisingly well informed. And she says that He really has three hands, but not always. The third hand is the bad one, the crow says. It isn’t attached like the other two, but he carries it hanging over His shoulder. The crow says that she can always tell exactly when He, or anyone