Fox's Feud Read Free Page B

dear fellow,’ Badger concurred. ‘I should do exactly the same. That creature has a very vicious look about him.’
    ‘And when the cubs are fully grown?’ Tawny Owl prompted.
    ‘Well . . . then it might be time to think again,’ Fox said cautiously.
    ‘You know you can always count on our support in any way,’ said Tawny Owl.
    ‘I know, and I thank you for it, just as I thank you for dealing with that villain just now. But this is my quarrel. I don’t want to involve others.’
    ‘Any quarrel of yours is our quarrel too, you know, Fox,’ Badger reminded him. ‘Remember the Oath we all took before we left Farthing Wood.’
    ‘Of course I remember,’ replied Fox. ‘But that Oath was sworn to ensure the mutual protection of all our party while we were on our journey. We’ve made new lives for ourselves here – all of us. I don’t want to endanger my friends for any selfish reason.’
    ‘Well, I think in the event of any trouble,’ Badger opined, ‘you will find that everyone will get involved, whether you request it or not. Our ties are more lasting than simply for the duration of a journey.’
    ‘That is indeed a comforting thought, Badger, my dear friend,’ said Fox who was evidently quite moved. ‘And Owl – what a true friend you’ve been.’
    ‘Oh, don’t mention it,’ Tawny Owl said self-consciously. ‘Glad to be of assistance, I’m sure.’
    Just then Vixen, who had finished eating, came forward. ‘Fox told me the gist of what occurred tonight,’ she said, ‘and I want to thank you both for standing guard as you did. If you look at the cubs, you can see how successful you were.’
    They could see them blissfully asleep in a huddle, completely unaware of the interest provoked by their existence.
    ‘They’ll soon be big enough for me to take them hunting,’ she added. ‘They’re coming along fast’
    ‘Yes, yes, they grow so quickly,’ said Badger fondly. ‘It’s a shame in a way. But they need to be able to stand on their own feet as soon as possible.’
    ‘Never more so than in the present case,’ Tawny Owl remarked, but Fox gestured him to silence.
    ‘Well, it’s been an eventful evening,’ he summarized. ‘Owl, Badger, I’m sure you both feel the need to eat. We’ll keep in touch.’
    Badger took this as a hint that Fox wanted to be alone with his family and began to amble towards the exit, but the somewhat insensitive Owl lingered.
    ‘No hurry, no hurry,’ he said. ‘My stomach takes second place to the pleasure of your company.’
    ‘Now, we mustn’t outstay our welcome,’ Badger said pointedly. ‘Fox has other claims on his time.’
    Tawny Owl noticed his gaffe but endeavoured to appear unconcerned. ‘Of course,’ he said, ‘I just wanted to make it quite clear I was not in any discomfort.’
    Badger had already made his farewells and left the earth.
    ‘I’ll be on watch again tomorrow evening,’ Tawny Owl assured Fox awkwardly. ‘Never fear.’
    Fox smiled. ‘All right, Owl. Thank you.’
    Tawny Owl cleared his throat. ‘Well – goodbye,’ he finished lamely, and finally left them alone.

The time came when the four cubs were ready to go on their first hunting trip. Many of Fox’s and Vixen’s friends came to witness this important outing, among them Badger, Mole, Weasel and, of course, Tawny Owl. It was dusk as they gathered outside the earth, and watched Vixen shepherd Bold, Charmer, Dreamer and Friendly towards the entrance.
    The cubs emerged with various degrees of enthusiasm. Bold looked keen and alert; his robust young body was tingling with excitement. Charmer stayed close to her mother, watching her every movement, but Dreamer, as usual, seemed to be in a world of her own – wandering off to sniff at a patch of grass or a twig as if she had all the time in the world. Friendly made a beeline for theonlookers, wagging his tail furiously as he recognized each of them in turn.
    Vixen called them together again and had a few last words with