One morning as Little Jack Rabbit looked out of his house in the Old
Bramble Patch, whom should he see but Danny Fox peeking out from behind
the Big Chestnut Tree.
Now Little Jack Rabbit knew that Danny Fox was not there for any good
purpose. No, sir. Whenever Danny Fox was around there was sure to be
trouble. So Little Jack Rabbit hopped back into his burrow to tell Mrs.
Rabbit.
“Well, you keep a lookout from the front door,” she said, “and I’ll
stand watch at the kitchen door. If Danny Fox thinks he’s going to get
the better of the rabbit family he’s very much mistaken,” and Mrs. John
Rabbit gave her head a jerk and her pink nose a million twinkles.
“Oh, how I hate that dreadful Danny Fox! I wish your father hadn’t gone
out so early this morning.”
Little Jack Rabbit hopped back to the front door and looked over to the
Shady Forest. But, oh, dear me! Just then up jumped Danny Fox right in
front of him.
“Good morning,” he said, licking his lips with his great red tongue.
“How is my little fat bunny this morning?”
“I haven’t got any time to talk,” answered Little Jack Rabbit, backing
into the house.
“Now be friendly,” coaxed Danny Fox, coming closer. “I’ve come all the
way from my den on the hillside to talk to you this beautiful morning.”
“All right,” answered the little rabbit; “but stay where you are or
I’ll go inside and close the door.”
“That’s not a nice way to speak when I’ve come to ask you to take
dinner with us,” replied Danny Fox. “My little boys, Slyboots and
Bushytail, want you to come, and Mrs. Fox has made a lovely carrot
stew.”
Then Danny Fox sat down and, folding his front paws across his fur
waistcoat, looked so kindly at the little bunny that I’m sorry to say
he answered, “I’ll come!” before he really thought it over. If he had
only gone inside the house to ask his mother. But he didn’t. He never
even thought of it, but put on his cap and followed that wicked old
robber into the Shady Forest just as though he was his best friend.
Now everybody don’t get scared
’Cause little Jackie Rabbit dared
Go out to dine with Danny Fox
Inside his den amid the rocks.
Just wait to see what happens when
They get outside the Shady Glen.
Perhaps a kind and loving friend
Some needed help will quickly send.