"But you know what I have told you," went on Granny. "The surest
way of getting into trouble is to steal hens. I'm not feeling quite
up to being chased by Bowser the Hound just now, and if we came
right home we would give away the secret of where we live and might
be smoked out, and that would be the end of us. Besides, those hens
will be hard to get this weather, because they will stay in their
house, and there is no way for us to get in there unless we walk
right in, in broad daylight, and that would never do. It will be a
great deal better to take Bowser's dinner away from him. In the
first place, if we are careful, no one but Bowser will know about it,
and as long as he is chained up, we will have nothing to worry about
from him. Besides, we will enjoy getting even with him for the
times he has spoiled our chances of catching a fat chicken and for
the way he has hunted us. Most decidedly it will be better and
safer to try for Bowser's dinner than to try for one of those hens."

"Just as you say, Granny; just as you say," returned Reddy. "You
know best. But how under the sun we can do it beats me."

"It is very simple," replied Granny, "very simple indeed. Most things
are simple enough when you find out how to do them. Neither of us
could do it alone, but together we can do it without the least bit
of risk. Listen."

Granny went close to Reddy and whispered to him, although there
wasn't a soul within hearing. A slow grin spread over Reddy's face
as he listened. When she had finished, he laughed right out.

"Granny, you are a wonder!" he exclaimed admiringly. "I never should
have thought of that. Of course we can do it. My, won't Bowser be