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Tale of Billy Woodchuck

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<h2>XI</h2> <h2>BILLY ASKS FOR PAY</h2> The next day, at the same hour, Uncle Jerry Chuck went to the big rock. This time he was looking forward to even a longer nap in the sun than he had had the day before. If Billy Woodchuck was willing to listen, without pay, Uncle Jerry was more than willing to let him. Billy Woodchuck was somewhat late. But he arrived at last. “You must be more prompt,” Uncle Jerry told him, severely. “I have no time to waste waiting for a young chap like you. When I’m good enough to let you do my listening, it seems to me you ought to be on time,” he grumbled. That is often[59] the way with people who get things for nothing. They are very likely to find fault. Now, Billy Woodchuck had been doing some thinking since the day before. And while Uncle Jerry was hunting for a soft spot on the big rock, where he could lie, Billy suddenly surprised him by saying: “Don’t you think you ought to pay me for listening for you, Uncle Jerry?” Uncle Jerry grunted. He was not at all pleased. “This is not a good time to speak of pay,” he said. “I am so sleepy that I can hardly keep my eyes open. However, I’ll see what I can do for you—after I’ve had my nap.” And then he fell asleep, and snored ever so much louder than he had the previous day. He slept longer, too. And by the time he awakened, Billy Woodchuck was[60] quite worn out, and ready to fall asleep himself. This time Uncle Jerry did not wait to stretch himself. As soon as he opened his eyes he leapt to his feet and started off. “Meet me here to-morrow at the same hour,” he ordered. “But you haven’t paid me for to-day!” Billy Woodchuck cried. Uncle Jerry stopped. “I declare, I’d forgotten all about that,” he said. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do.... You know, turn about is fair play. So if you want to take a nap, you can lie right down here and take it. And I’ll do more for you than you did for me. I’ll keep track of the time. And when the sun gets over the big elm by the brook, I’ll wake you up.” Billy Woodchuck agreed. And as soon as he was fast asleep Uncle Jerry left him.[61] You see, old Uncle Jerry Chuck was a sly old gentleman. He had said nothing at all about listening for danger. So Billy Woodchuck slept on. If the Great Horned Owl had happened along then, he could have caught Billy without any trouble. But it was not Mr. Owl who passed that way, before the sun climbed above the big elm. Though some one did spy Billy, as he lay there sleeping. Who do you suppose it was? <hr /> [62] <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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