n jes' like him, an' his chillen's chillen the same way. An'
that is the reason that mah cousin who lives down souf done have a
black haid," concluded Ol' Mistah Buzzard.

A little sigh of satisfaction went around the circle of listeners. As
usual, Peter Rabbit was the first to speak.

"That was a splendid story, Mr. Buzzard," said he, "and I'm ever and
ever so much obliged to you. It was just as good as one of Grandfather
Frog's."

Ol' Mistah Buzzard grinned and slowly winked one eye at Unc' Billy
Possum as he replied: "Thank yo', Brer Rabbit. That's quite the
nicest thing yo' could say."

"But it's true!" shouted all together, and then everybody gave three
cheers for Ol' Mistah Buzzard before starting off to attend to their
own private affairs.

XIII

WHY BUSTER BEAR APPEARS TO HAVE NO TAIL

Peter Rabbit had something new to bother his bump of curiosity. And it
did bother it a lot. He had just seen Buster Bear for the first time,
and what do you think had impressed him most? Well, it wasn't Buster's
great size, or wonderful strength, or big claws, or deep,
grumbly-rumbly voice. No, Sir, it wasn't one of these. It was the fact
that Buster Bear seemed to have no tail! Peter couldn't get over that.
He almost pitied Buster Bear. You see, Peter has a great admiration
for fine tails. He has always been rather ashamed of the funny little
one he has himself. Still, it is a real tail, and he has often
comforted himself with that thought.

So the first thing Peter did when he saw Buster Bear was to look to
see what kind of a tail he had. Just imagine how surprised he was when
he couldn't make sure that Buster had any tail at all. There was
something that might, just might, be meant for a tail, and Peter
wasn't even sure of that. If it was, it was so ridiculously small that
Peter felt that he had no reason to be ashamed of his own tail.

He was still thinking about this when he started for home. Half way
there, he paused, saw that the way to the Smiling Pool was clear, and
suddenly made up his mind to ask Grandfather Frog about Buster Bear's
tail. Off he started, lipperty-lipperty-lip.

"Oh, Grandfather Frog," he panted, as soon as he reached the edge of
the Smiling Pool, "has Buster Bear got a tail?"

Grandfather Frog regarded Peter in silence for a minute or two.

Then very slowly he asked: "What are your eyes for, Peter Rabbit?
Couldn't you see whether or not he has a tail?"

"No, Grandfather Frog. I