there was the desire to find out what the news in the Old Briar-patch
could be. But Peter was too smart for them, and they all went away no
wiser than they came, that is, all but one, and that one was Reddy Fox.

There isn't much going on in the Green Forest or on the Green Meadows
that Reddy doesn't know about. He is sly, is Reddy Fox, and his eyes are
sharp and his ears are keen, so little happens that he doesn't see or
hear about. Of course he heard the foolish gossip of Jenny Wren and he
pricked up his ears.

"So there's news down in the Old Briar-patch, is there? A secret that
Jenny Wren won't tell? I think I'll trot down there and make Peter a
call. Of course he'll be glad to see me."

Reddy grinned wickedly as he said this to himself, for he knew that
there was no one for whom Peter Rabbit had less love, unless it was old
Granny Fox.

So Reddy trotted down to the Old Briar-patch. Peter saw him coming and
scowled, for he guessed right away what Reddy was coming for, and he
made ready to answer all Reddy's questions and still tell him nothing,
as he had with all the others who had called.

But Reddy asked no questions. He didn't once mention the fact that he
had heard there was news in the Old Briar-patch. He didn't once speak of
Jenny Wren. He just talked about the weather and the Old Pasture, where
Peter had made such a long visit, and all the time was as pleasant and
polite as if he and Peter were the dearest of friends.

But while he was talking, Reddy was using those sharp eyes and those