Evening star., 1917-02-20
over her shoulder to see II Reddy would
follow. and somehow Reddy knew that

over her shoulder to see II Reddy would
| follow, and somehow Reddy knew that
she hoped that he would.
| He didn't know how he knew. but
know he did. that while she was afraid
| of him she liked him and that she
eager to follow. Yes, indeed. Reddy
was eager to follow. The truth is
Reddy felt that he just couldn't allow
her out Of his sight for even a minute.
| as if his heart had melted. Yes, sir:
that is just the way he had felt. All
| that was hard and cruel and mean IN
his heart had seemed to melt right
away and in place of these We're a
great gent1eness and longing and love
for this beautiful stranger. Reddy
didn't know it was love because he
didn't know much about love anyway.
save selfish love, and a certain kind of
love for Old Granny Fox. But this
new feeling was wholly different. He
felt that if only she would let him he
would do anything under the sun for
her.
So. of course, Reddy followed her
when she darted away. He followed
her, but he took the very greatest care
not to frighten her any more. He tried
to make it plain to her that he wouldnt
hurt her for the world-that he would
be very, very gentle and kind to her
The beautiful stranger didn't run far
and once more she and Reddy touched
noses. Again she jumped away as II
scared by her own bolduess, and pa
tiently Reddy followed. So it happened
over and over again. but each time she
seemed Just a wee bit less afraid.
1t wasn't long then before she was
pretending, just to tease Reddy: and.
of course, Reddy soon discovered this
Strange to say he liked this kind of
teasing For the first time in his life
Reddy Fox enjoyed being teased. So
they raced and romped until at last
they were glad to rest, for both were
l., u.
sunny spot.
What is your nance" painted Reddy.
Miss Swiftfoot," replied the beau
tiful stranger. Shyly.
That's a beautiful name, and it Just
fits YOU replied Reddy.
What makes you think So asked
Miss Swifufoot.
The way you run replied Reddy.
and I didn't believe that there was a
fox living who could do that
He didn't say this at all boastfullT.
He was a fast runner and he knew
would meet a fox who could outrun
him he would have laughed. He sim
ply wouldn't have believed 1t. And
now here he was actually telling Miss
The funny part is he seemed glad that
it was SO. He wasn't the least tiny bit
jealous.
What is your name?" asked Miss
L.
"Reddy Fox" replied Reddy. proudly
Everybody around here knows me.
Where did you come from?"
"Over there" said Miss Swiftfoot.
with a toss of her head which might
have meant almost anywhere. L think
must be going back now"
Reddy jumped to his feet in great
alarm.
"oh. don't. Don't do anything like
that" he begged. "I-I-why. we've
just got acquainted and we could have
such good times together here. Do
you know, you are the most beautiful
Fox I've ever seen? You are. You
simply are beautiful"
"Pshawt You're just fooling.' retort-
ed Miss Swiftfoot, but it was plain to
see that she was pleased. And in truth
she was very beautiful young Fox,
slim of legs. slender and wearing the
blackest of stockings and the reddest
of cloaks, and she carried proudly as
perfect tail as ever Fox wore.