XI
BILLY ASKS FOR PAY
The next day, at the same hour, Uncle Jerry Chuck went to the big rock. This time he was looking forward to even a longer nap in the sun than he had had the day before. If Billy Woodchuck was willing to listen, without pay, Uncle Jerry was more than willing to let him.
Billy Woodchuck was somewhat late. But he arrived at last.
“You must be more prompt,” Uncle Jerry told him, severely. “I have no time to waste waiting for a young chap like you. When I’m good enough to let you do my listening, it seems to me you ought to be on time,” he grumbled. That is often the way with people who get things for nothing. They are very likely to find fault.
Now, Billy Woodchuck had been doing some thinking since the day before. And while Uncle Jerry was hunting for a soft spot on the big rock, where he could lie, Billy suddenly surprised him by saying:
“Don’t you think you ought to pay me for listening for you, Uncle Jerry?”
Uncle Jerry grunted. He was not at all pleased.
“This is not a good time to speak of pay,” he said. “I am so sleepy that I can hardly keep my eyes open. However, I’ll see what I can do for you—after I’ve had my nap.”