Buster’s little eyes twinkled.
“All right, Mr. Fox, I’ll try you. If I get you out will you promise never to hunt the rabbits and small animals again?”
“Yes, Buster, I’ll do as you ask,” replied the Fox.
Buster remained quiet for a moment, and then got up and lumbered away. When he returned he was dragging the end of a long tree. “This is because Bumper pleaded for your life, Mr. Fox,” he said, pushing one end of the tree in the pit. “Now come up, and make that promise again.”
Mr. Fox ran up the tree rapidly, and when he reached the brink Buster stopped him. “On your heart you promise not to hunt the rabbits and small animals any more?” the Bear asked before he would let him pass. Once more Mr. Fox crossed his heart and promised.
“Then go, and if you break your word I’ll punish you.”
Mr. Fox trotted away and made a break for the thick woods.
“Now, Sneaky,” Buster added, “it’s your turn. Do you want to make the same promise?”
Sneaky was so anxious to get out that he was ready to promise anything, and when he reached the top Buster made him repeat it. “Remember you’re on parole, Sneaky,” Buster cautioned, “and the first time you break your word I’ll put you in a worse place than this pit.”
When Sneaky had disappeared, Buster addressed the Lynx. “I don’t know about trusting you Loup,” he said. “I never knew a Lynx yet that could keep his word. However, I’ll let you go. Give me your promise, and you can come up.”