really is some news in the Old Briar-patch," he muttered to himself.
"Anyway, I haven't anything better to do, so I believe I'll drop around
that way and make Peter Rabbit a call."

He found Peter in some sweet clover just outside the Old Briar-patch,
and it struck Jimmy that Peter looked uncommonly happy. He said as much.

"I am," replied Peter, before he thought. Then he added hastily, "You
see, I've been uncommonly happy ever since I returned with Mrs. Peter
from the Old Pasture."

"But I hear there's great news over here in the Old Briar-patch,"
persisted Jimmy Skunk. "What is it, Peter?"

Peter pretended to be very much surprised. "Great news!" he repeated.
"Great news! Why, what news can there be over here? Who told you that?"

"A little bird told me," replied Jimmy slyly.

"It must have been Jenny Wren!" said Peter, once more speaking before he
thought.

"Then there IS news over here!" cried Jimmy triumphantly. "What is it,
Peter?"

But Peter shook his head as if he hadn't the slightest idea and couldn't
imagine. Jimmy coaxed and teased, but all in vain. Finally he started
for home no wiser than before.

"Just the same, I believe that Jenny Wren told the truth and that there