' He longest lives who runs away.'”
REDDY FOX didn't realize that he was speaking aloud. He was trying to make himself think that he wasn't a coward and that in running away from Old Man Coyote he had done only what every one of the little meadow and forest people would have done in his place. So, without knowing it, he had spoken aloud.
“But he who runs must leave behind
His self-respect and peace of mind.”
The voice came from right over Reddy's head, but he didn't have to look up to know who was there. It was Sammy Jay, of course. Sammy is always on hand when he isn't wanted, and Reddy knew by the look in his eyes that Sammy knew about the meeting with Old Man Coyote.
“What are you waiting around here for?” asked Reddy, with a snarl1.
“To tell Old Granny Fox how brave you are,” retorted Sammy Jay, his eyes sparkling with mischief2, “and how fast you can run.”
“You'd better mind your own affairs and leave mine alone. I shall tell Granny all about it myself, anyway,” snapped Reddy.
Now when Reddy said that, he didn't tell the truth, for he had no intention of telling Old Granny Fox of how he had run from Old Man Coyote, but hardly were the words out of his mouth when old Granny Fox herself stepped out from behind a bush. She had been up in the Old Pasture for a week or two and had just come back, so she knew nothing of the fright which Old Man Coyote had given those who live in the Green Meadows and the Green Forest.
“I'm already to listen right now, Reddy,” said she.
Reddy hung his head. He coughed and cleared his throat and tried to think of some way out of it. But it was of no use. There sat Sammy Jay ready to tell if he didn't, and so,
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IX. OLD MAN COYOTE MEETS REDDY FOX
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XI. GRANNY FOX TELLS PRICKLY PORKY A STORY
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