Reddy Fox grew very red in the face, but he never said a word.



IX. Peter Rabbit Hears the News

Johnny Chuck came running up to the edge of the Old Briarpatch
quite out of breath. You see, he is so round and fat and
roly-poly that to run makes him puff and blow. Johnny Chuck's
eyes danced with excitement as he peered into the Old
Briar-patch, trying to see Peter Rabbit.

"Peter! Peter Rabbit! Oh, Peter!" he called. No one answered.
Johnny Chuck looked disappointed. It was the middle of the
morning, and he had thought that Peter would surely be at home
then. He would try once more. "Oh, you Peter Rabbit!" he shouted
in such a high-pitched voice that it was almost a squeal.

"What you want?" asked a sleepy voice from the middle of the Old
Briar-patch.

Johnny Chuck's face lighted up. "Come out here, Peter, where I
can look at you," cried Johnny.

"Go away, Johnny Chuck! I'm sleepy," said Peter Rabbit, and his
voice sounded just a wee bit cross, for Peter had been out all
night, a habit which Peter has.

"I've got some news for you, Peter," called Johnny Chuck eagerly.