That is more than I can say for some folks I know . '' Reddy Fox sat down with his big bushy tail curled around to keep his toes warm , cocked his head on one side , and looked up at Blacky the Crow as if he were trying to see right inside that black head to find out what was going on there . `` Now what has that black scamp got in his mind , '' thought Reddy . `` He never pays compliments unless he wants something in return . That old black rascal has the smoothest tongue in the Green Forest . He has n't come ` way over here just to tell me that I have a handsome coat . He would n't fly over a fence to tell anybody that unless it was for a purpose . '' Aloud he said , `` Good morning , Blacky . I suppose I must admit I have a fine coat . Perhaps I do look very fine , but if you could see under this red coat of mine , you would find mighty little meat on my ribs . To be quite honest , I am not feeling half as fine as I look . You lucky fellows who can fly and do n't have to think about distances may be able to live well these days , but as for me , I 've forgotten when last I had a good meal . '' CHAPTER XXVI RED WITS AND BLACK WITS This fact you 'll find is always so : He 's quick of wit who fools a Crow . Bowser the Hound . There is no greater flatterer in the Green Forest or on the Green Meadows than Blacky the Crow when he hopes to gain something thereby . His tongue is so smooth that it is a wonder it does not drip oil . He is crafty , is Blacky . But these same things are true of Reddy Fox . No one ever yet had a chance to accuse Reddy Fox of lacking in sharp wits . Mistakes he makes , as everybody does , but Reddy 's wits are always keen and active .
Now XXXXX knew perfectly well that Blacky wanted something of him , and this was why he was saying such pleasant things .
Blacky Bowser Forest Fox RED Reddy days flatterer right scamp