"Of course there is a reason," asserted Johnny Chuck, chewing the end
of a blade of grass.

"There's a reason for everything," added Striped Chipmunk, combing out
the hair of his funny little tail.

"Then of course Grandfather Frog knows it," said Peter.

"Of course! Why didn't we think of him before?" exclaimed the others.

"I'll beat you to the Smiling Pool!" shouted Peter.

Of course he did, for his legs are long and made for running, but
Striped Chipmunk was not far behind. Johnny Chuck took his time, for
he knew that he could not keep up with the others. Besides he was so
fat that to run made him puff and blow. Grandfather Frog sat just as
usual on his big green lily-pad, and he grinned when he saw who his
visitors were, for he guessed right away what they had come for.

"Chug-a-rum! What is it you want to know now?" he demanded, before
Peter could fairly get his breath.

"If you please, Grandfather Frog, we want to know why it is that Unc'
Billy Possum plays dead," replied Peter as politely as he knew how.

Grandfather Frog chuckled. "Just to fool people, stupid!" said he.

"Of course we know that," replied Striped Chipmunk, "but what we want
to know is how he ever found out that he could fool people that way,
and how he knows that he will fool them."