every time that Peter whispered in the ear of one of the little meadow
or forest people, they would laugh.

Now, Sammy Jay knew nothing about all this. By and by, when he thought
that every one was there, Sammy came flying through the Green Forest,
just as if he knew nothing about Peter Rabbit's party. Now, Sammy,
with all his faults, is one of the best watchmen in the Green Forest.
If there is any danger which his sharp eyes discover, he always
screams at the top of his lungs. So, though he steals and plays tricks
and makes life very uncomfortable for the others, they always stop to
listen when Sammy sounds a warning. Because Sammy knew this he felt
sure of breaking up this party.

As soon as he came in sight of all the little meadow and forest
people, he began to shriek at the top of his lungs.

"Run! run! run! Here comes Bowser the Hound," he shouted.

No one moved, and this puzzled Sammy so that he hardly knew what to
do, but he kept right on shrieking, just as if Bowser was right close
at hand. Still no one moved. Sammy stopped on a tall pine and
pretended to be terribly excited.

"You had better run before Bowser gets here," he shouted.

What do you think happened then? Why, everybody set up a great shout.
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Peter Rabbit.

"Ho! ho! ho!" shouted Johnny Chuck.