“Nevertheless I am,” retorted Chewink.
“What were you scratching for when I first saw you?” asked Peter.
“Oh, worms and bugs that hide under the leaves,” replied Chewink carelessly. “You have no idea how many of them hide under dead leaves.”
“Do you eat anything else?” asked Peter.
“Berries and wild fruits in season,” replied Chewink. “I'm very fond of them. They make a variety in the bill of fare.”
“I've noticed that I seldom see you up in the tree tops,” remarked Peter.
“I like the ground better,” replied Chewink. “I spend more of my time on the ground than anywhere else.”
“I suppose that means that you nest on the ground,” ventured Peter.
Chewink nodded. “Of course,” said he. “As a matter of fact, I've got a nest in this very thicket. Mrs. Towhee is on it right now, and I suspect she's worrying and anxious to know what happened over here when you warned me about Reddy Fox. I think I must go over and set her mind at rest.”
Peter was just about to ask if he might go along and see that nest when a new voice broke in.