“Where?” exclaimed old Mr. Toad, turning as pale as a toad can turn
Danny turned his head to hide a smile. If old Mr. Toad wasn't showing fear, no one ever did. “Oh,” said he, “I didn't mean that he is anywhere around here now. What I was going to say was that there is Mr. Blacksnake and Granny Fox and Reddy Fox and Redtail the Hawk and Hooty the Owl and others I might name, always watching for a chance to make a dinner from poor little me. Do you wonder that I am afraid most of the time?”
“No,” replied old Mr. Toad. “No, I don't wonder that you are afraid. It must be dreadful to feel hungry eyes are watching for you every minute of the day and night, too.”
“Oh, it's not so bad,” replied Danny. “It's rather exciting. Besides, it keeps my wits sharp all the time. I am afraid I should find life very dull indeed if, like you, I feared nothing and nobody. By the way, see how queerly that grass is moving over there. It looks as if Mr. Blacksnake— Why, Mr. Toad, where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Why, Mr. Toad, where are you going in such a hurry?” asked Danny
“I've just remembered an important engagement with my cousin, Grandfather Frog, at the Smiling Pool,” shouted old Mr. Toad over his shoulder, as he hurried so that he fell over his own feet.
Danny chuckled as he sat alone on his doorstep. “Oh, no, old Mr. Toad doesn't know what fear is!” said he. “Funny how some people won't admit what everybody can see for themselves. Now, I am afraid, and I'm willing to say so.”