He stood as still as if he had suddenly been frozen stiff . His sharp black ears were cocked forward , and his head was turned just a little to one side . Reddy was listening . He was listening for the voice of Blacky . You see , he thought Blacky was still far ahead of him . For several minutes Reddy stood listening with all his might , and Blacky 's sharp eyes twinkled as he looked down , watching Reddy . Suddenly Reddy sat down . There was an expression on his sharp face which Blacky understood perfectly . It was quite plain that Reddy was becoming suspicious . He had begun to suspect that he had been tricked by Blacky and led so far away from home for nothing . Down inside Blacky chuckled . It was a noiseless chuckle , for Blacky did not intend to give himself away until he had to . But when at last he saw that Reddy was beginning to get uneasy , Blacky spoke . `` You seem to be feeling better , Brother Reddy , '' said he . `` You must excuse me for keeping you waiting , but I did not suppose that any one so weak and feeble as you appeared to be early this morning could possibly get here so soon . '' At the sound of Blacky 's voice , Reddy was so startled that he jumped quite as if he had sat down on a prickly briar . He was sharp enough to know that it was no longer of any use to pretend . `` I 'm feeling better , '' said he . `` The thought of those fat hens has quite restored my strength . Did you say that they are near here ? ''
`` I did n't say , but -- '' XXXXX did n't finish .
Blacky Reddy eyes head hens morning sound strength thought use