142 THE ROMANCE OF EVERIFARM 



The hawk was trying his best to frame a suitable 

 answer, when out from an adjoining bush trotted 

 Reddy Fox and the hawk decided it was a most op- 

 portune time to leave, but Jim and his family flew 

 up into the^ nearby hedge trees and, after wiping 

 his ebony beak on the limbs, Jim cried out, "Hello, 

 Reddy! Which way?" 



"Oh ! Just looking for a young rabbit for dinner. 

 Seen anything around here you cannot use?" an- 

 swered Reddy. 



"Now, children, there is a gentleman and a truth- 

 ful one. He admits he is after rabbit and not 

 ashamed of it. He would eat you just as quick as he 

 would a rabbit if he had the chance," explained Jim 

 Crow. 



"Now don't flatter yourself, Jim! I ate crow once 

 and I am going to be terribly hungry again before 

 I try it the second time. Ground mice, moles, and 

 gophers are real food compared to your family, but 

 when I want a real banquet I know where to go. 

 You think I am gomg to say chicken, duck, or goose, 

 don't you? Well, they are good, but a young pig is 

 the best meat you ever ate, and I am going to have 

 one to-night or I'll miss my guess. Nothing like 

 it," and Reddy Fox smacked his lips in anticipation. 



"I know pig is good to eat, because I cleaned up 



