"It is bad news," they replied.
"What is it? Tell me quick!" begged Johnny.
Just then Reddy Fox came hopping and skipping down the Lone Little Path.
"Hi, Johnny Chuck, have you heard the news?"
"No," said Johnny Chuck, "do tell me quick!"
Reddy Fox grinned maliciously, for Reddy likes to torment others. "It's about old Mrs. Chuck," said Reddy.
"I know that already," replied Johnny, "but, please, what is it?"
"Farmer Brown's boy has caught old Mrs. Chuck, and now I wouldn't wonder but what he will come up here and catch you," replied Reddy, turning a somersault.
Johnny Chuck grew pale. He had not seen Mother Chuck to speak to since he ran away from home. Now he was glad that he had run away, and yet sorry, oh, so sorry that anything had happened to Mrs. Chuck. Two big tears came into his eyes and ran down his funny little black nose. The Merry Little Breezes saw this, and one of them hurried over and whispered in Johnny Chuck's ear.
"Don't cry, Johnny Chuck," whispered the Merry Little Breeze. "Old Mother Chuck got away, and Farmer Brown's boy is still wondering how she did it."