The hare smiled. “You and I?” he said. “Is this
a joke? What would be the point? Those legs
of yours are like stumps. It must take you from
sunrise until sundown to hike a mile!”
“Will you join me in a race?” said the
hedgehog.
“I will join you!” said the hare.
“Good,” said the hedgehog. “We will race south
from this fence up to the house on the hill. But I
can’t race till I have my lunch. I’ll be back at one.”