One day he had ventured as far as halfway up the Crooked Little Path. He
was thinking so hard of a surprise he was planning for little Mrs. Peter
that he forgot to watch out and almost ran into Old Man Coyote before he
saw him. There was a hungry look, such a hungry look in Old Man Coyote's
eyes as he grinned and said "Good morning" that Peter didn't even stop
to be polite. He remembered that Jimmy Skunk's old house was near, and
he reached it just one jump ahead of Old Man Coyote.

"I thought you said that we were friends," panted Peter, as he heard Mr.
Coyote sniffing at the doorway.

"So we were until I had paid my debt to you. Now that I've paid that, we
are even, and it is everybody watch out for himself," replied Old Man
Coyote. "But don't forget that I always pay my debts, Peter Rabbit."




CHAPTER XXVI

PETER RABBIT LISTENS TO MRS. PETER


Safety first is a wise rule for those who would live long.
Peter Rabbit.

Peter Rabbit was glad enough to get back to the dear Old Briar-patch
after his narrow escape from Old Man Coyote by dodging into Jimmy
Skunk's old house halfway up the hill. And little Mrs. Peter was glad