He spouted, "One, two, three!" A loud sound made Sprig nervous.

He looked all about. A big, brown hound bounded from the trees.

Sprig crouched down by a mound of dirt. The hound pounced and barked loudly.

Sprig was so nervous! He touched his pouch of nuts.

He had a wondrous idea. When the hound pounced once more, Sprig tossed him a nut.

The hound’s mouth snapped shut. He enjoyed the nut.

Sprig tossed him some more. The hound wagged his tail and licked his mouth.

"You are a good friend," Sprig said. The hound barked.

Now Sprig and the hound bounce and play.