Solomon Owl and Fatty Coon couldn’t help laughing at what Tommy Fox said
to them, as they sat in their tree near the farmhouse, looking down at him
in the moonlight.

“I’m here to watch Farmer Green’s chickens for him—” said he—“to see that
no rat—or anybody else—runs away with a pullet.”

“Farmer Green has someone else watching for him to-night,” said Solomon
Owl, when he had stopped laughing. “There’s that strange man! You can see
how he keeps his glaring eyes fixed on the chicken house. And unless I’m
mistaken, he’s on the lookout for _you_.”

“No such thing!” Tommy Fox snapped. And he looked up at Solomon as if he
wished that he could climb the tree.

“Here comes somebody else!” Fatty Coon exclaimed suddenly. His keen eyes
had caught sight of Jimmy Rabbit, hopping along on his way to the
vegetable garden, to see if he couldn’t find a stray cabbage or a turnip.

Solomon Owl called to him. Whereupon, Jimmy Rabbit promptly sat up and
looked at the odd trio. If it hadn’t been for Tommy Fox he would have
drawn nearer.

“Do you know that stranger?” Solomon Owl asked him, pointing out the
horrible head to Jimmy.

“I haven’t the pleasure,” said Jimmy Rabbit, after he had taken a good
look.