“Yes, please,” said the fox, hoarsely. “Tell Billy to bring me a cold pan of water.”
“Poor fox! Poor fox! I will tell him to bring you a pan of cold water,” said Miss Hare, with a hearty laugh that set her long ears to bobbing. “It makes little difference whether or not the pan is cold.”
CHAPTER XIX.
On Saturday afternoon Tiny and Winkie Weasel went out for a frolic in the forest beyond the river. Reynard Redfox had almost recovered from his severe cold, but he stayed at home, thinking of the golden summer so near at hand with its red strawberries and wild grapes.
Winkie came from a family of very bloodthirsty and suspicious character, but Miss Hare’s teachings had made him as gentle as Weenie Mouse. Although Tiny had been taught to shun weasels, he had become quite fond of Winkie, because he was bright and active.
Side by side they made their way through the deep forest. The birds sang merrily and the sun shone brightly. Lady’s-slippers with lemon-colored pouches and long slender leaves grew in the damp, low grounds. Occasionally a rose-colored one nodded its fairy head at them.
“Summer will come soon,” said Tiny, his voice ringing with happiness.
“Yes,” replied Winkie, as he stopped to sniff at a fallen log. “How glad I am that cold weather has passed away!”