In reply to Tommy Ferret’s question, Hoppy Toad said, “I saw Bunny Rabbit run by here a few minutes ago; he was going like a streak when he passed me, and headed up yonder road.”
“Thank you,” said Tommy Ferret. “I’ll soon have him for a meal; he must be about all in by this time.”
He again took up the chase, and was soon lost from sight in his journey up the road where Hoppy Toad had told him Bunny Rabbit was scampering along.
“It’s all right, Bunny Rabbit,” said Hoppy Toad, “come on out, Tommy Ferret is on a wild goose chase after you.”
Bunny Rabbit, still shaking with fright, came out of his hiding place and ran to where Hoppy Toad was.
He said, “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for saving me. When Tommy Ferret finds that you fooled him he is apt to make it unpleasant for you.”
“I’ll watch for him closely; I always keep my wits about me.”
“Well, I guess I’ll head for home; I live in the middle of the woods. May I ask your name?”
“Hoppy Toad is my name; I guessed yours was Bunny Rabbit. Am I right?”
“You are right.”