In the top of a tall tree not far distant was a spot of black . The smoke from the chimney of the farmhouse floated skyward in a lazy way . Looking down on the Great World , jolly , round , bright Mr. Sun saw no more peaceful scene anywhere . By and by a fat hen walked over to the bars of the cowyard and hopped up on the lower bar . There she sat for some time . Then , making up her mind that she would see what was outside , she hopped down and walked over to the pile of old boards . Right then things happened all at once . That red spot behind the pile of old boards suddenly came to life . There was a quick spring , and that fat hen was seized by the neck so suddenly that she did n't have time to make a sound . At the same instant the black spot in the top of the tall tree came to life , and Blacky the Crow flew over to the roof of the barn , screaming at the top of his lungs . Now those who know Blacky well , know when he is screaming `` Fox ! Fox ! Fox ! '' although it sounds as if he were saying `` Caw ! Caw ! Caw ! '' In a moment the door of the farmhouse flew open , and a man stepped out with a dog at his heels . The man looked up at Blacky , and he knew by Blacky 's actions that something was going on back of the barn . Right away he guessed that there must be a Fox there , and calling the dog to follow , he ran around to see what was happening . Of course Reddy heard him coming , and with a little snarl of anger at Blacky the Crow , he seized the fat hen by the neck , threw her body over his shoulder , and started for the near-by swamp as fast as his legs could take him .
Just as XXXXX reached the edge of the swamp , he heard the roar of a great voice behind him .
Blacky Caw Crow Fox Reddy Right Sun bars cowyard farmhouse