["7 \u2018We\u2019ll\tNever\tLet\tHim\tGo\u2019 At\t six\t o\u2019clock\t in\t the\t evening,\t Bean\t switched\t off\t the\t motor\t of\t his\t tractor\t and climbed\t down\t from\t the\t driver\u2019s\t seat.\t Bunce\t did\t the\t same.\t Both\t men\t had\t had enough.\t They\t were\t tired\t and\t stiff\t from\t driving\t the\t tractors\t all\t day.\t They\t were also\thungry.\tSlowly\tthey\twalked\tover\tto\tthe\tsmall\tfox\u2019s\thole\tin\tthe\tbottom\tof\tthe huge\t crater.\t Bean\u2019s\t face\t was\t purple\t with\t rage.\t Bunce\t was\t cursing\t the\t fox\t with dirty\t words\t that\t cannot\t be\t printed.\t Boggis\t came\t waddling\t up.\t \u2018Dang\t and\t blast that\tfilthy\tstinking\tfox!\u2019\the\tsaid.\t\u2018What\tthe\theck\tdo\twe\tdo\tnow?\u2019 \u2018I\u2019ll\ttell\tyou\twhat\twe\tdon\u2019t\tdo,\u2019\tBean\tsaid.\t\u2018We\tdon\u2019t\tlet\thim\tgo!\u2019 \u2018We\u2019ll\tnever\tlet\thim\tgo!\u2019\tBunce\tdeclared. \u2018Never\tnever\tnever!\u2019\tcried\tBoggis. \u2018Did\tyou\thear\tthat,\tMr\tFox!\u2019\tyelled\tBean,\tbending\tlow\tand\tshouting\tdown\tthe hole.\t\u2018It\u2019s\tnot\tover\tyet,\tMr\tFox!\tWe\u2019re\tnot\tgoing\thome\ttill\twe\u2019ve\tstrung\tyou\tup dead\tas\ta\tdingbat!\u2019\tWhereupon\tthe\tthree\tmen\tall\tshook\thands\twith\tone\tanother and\tswore\ta\tsolemn\toath\tthat\tthey\twould\tnot\tgo\tback\tto\ttheir\tfarms\tuntil\tthe\tfox was\tcaught. \u2018What\u2019s\tthe\tnext\tmove?\u2019\tasked\tBunce,\tthe\tpot-bellied\tdwarf. \u2018We\u2019re\tsending\tyou\tdown\tthe\thole\tto\tfetch\thim\tup,\u2019\tsaid\tBean.\t\u2018Down\tyou\tgo, you\tmiserable\tmidget!\u2019","\u2018Not\tme!\u2019\tscreamed\tBunce,\trunning\taway. Bean\tmade\ta\tsickly\tsmile.\tWhen\the\tsmiled\tyou\tsaw\this\tscarlet\tgums.\tYou\tsaw more\t gums\t than\t teeth.\t \u2018Then\t there\u2019s\t only\t one\t thing\t to\t do,\u2019\t he\t said.\t \u2018We\t starve him\t out.\t We\t camp\t here\t day\t and\t night\t watching\t the\t hole.\t He\u2019ll\t come\t out\t in\t the end.\tHe\u2019ll\thave\tto.\u2019 So\tBoggis\tand\tBunce\tand\tBean\tsent\tmessages\tdown\tto\ttheir\tfarms\tasking\tfor tents,\tsleeping-bags\tand\tsupper.","8 The\tFoxes\tBegin\tto\tStarve That\t evening\t three\t tents\t were\t put\t up\t in\t the\t crater\t on\t the\t hill\t \u2013\t one\t for\t Boggis, one\t for\t Bunce\t and\t one\t for\t Bean.\t The\t tents\t surrounded\t Mr\t Fox\u2019s\t hole.\t And\t the three\tfarmers\tsat\toutside\ttheir\ttents\teating\ttheir\tsupper.\tBoggis\thad\tthree\tboiled chickens\t smothered\t in\t dumplings,\t Bunce\t had\t six\t doughnuts\t filled\t with disgusting\t goose-liver\t paste,\t and\t Bean\t had\t two\t gallons\t of\t cider.\t All\t three\t of them\tkept\ttheir\tguns\tbeside\tthem. Boggis\tpicked\tup\ta\tsteaming\tchicken\tand\theld\tit\tclose\tto\tthe\tfox\u2019s\thole.\t\u2018Can you\t smell\t this,\t Mr\t Fox?\u2019\t he\t shouted.\t \u2018Lovely\t tender\t chicken!\t Why\t don\u2019t\t you come\tup\tand\tget\tit?\u2019 The\t rich\t scent\t of\t chicken\t wafted\t down\t the\t tunnel\t to\t where\t the\t foxes\t were crouching. \u2018Oh,\tDad,\u2019\tsaid\tone\tof\tthe\tSmall\tFoxes,\t\u2018couldn\u2019t\twe\tjust\tsneak\tup\tand\tsnatch it\tout\tof\this\thand?\u2019 \u2018Don\u2019t\tyou\tdare!\u2019\tsaid\tMrs\tFox.\t\u2018That\u2019s\tjust\twhat\tthey\twant\tyou\tto\tdo.\u2019 \u2018But\twe\u2019re\tso\thungry!\u2019\tthey\tcried.\t\u2018How\tlong\twill\tit\tbe\ttill\twe\tget\tsomething to\teat?\u2019 Their\tmother\tdidn\u2019t\tanswer\tthem.\tNor\tdid\ttheir\tfather.\tThere\twas\tno\tanswer\tto give.","As\tdarkness\tfell,\tBunce\tand\tBean\tswitched\ton\tthe\tpowerful\theadlamps\tof\tthe two\t tractors\t and\t shone\t them\t on\t to\t the\t hole.\t \u2018Now,\u2019\t said\t Bean,\t \u2018we\u2019ll\t take\t it\t in turn\t to\t keep\t watch.\t One\t watches\t while\t two\t sleep,\t and\t so\t on\t all\t through\t the night.\u2019 Boggis\tsaid,\t\u2018What\tif\tthe\tfox\tdigs\ta\thole\tright\tthrough\tthe\thill\tand\tcomes\tout on\tthe\tother\tside?\tYou\tdidn\u2019t\tthink\tof\tthat\tone,\tdid\tyou?\u2019 \u2018Of\tcourse\tI\tdid,\u2019\tsaid\tBean,\tpretending\the\thad. \u2018Go\ton,\tthen,\ttell\tus\tthe\tanswer,\u2019\tsaid\tBoggis. Bean\t picked\t something\t small\t and\t black\t out\t of\t his\t ear\t and\t flicked\t it\t away. \u2018How\tmany\tmen\thave\tyou\tgot\tworking\ton\tyour\tfarm?\u2019\the\tasked. \u2018Thirty-five,\u2019\tBoggis\tsaid. \u2018I\u2019ve\tgot\tthirty-six,\u2019\tBunce\tsaid. \u2018And\t I\u2019ve\t got\t thirty-seven,\u2019\t Bean\t said.\t \u2018That\t makes\t one\t hundred\t and\t eight men\taltogether.\tWe\tmust\torder\tthem\tto\tsurround\tthe\thill.\tEach\tman\twill\thave\ta gun\tand\ta\tflashlight.\tThere\twill\tbe\tno\tescape\tthen\tfor\tMr\tFox.\u2019 So\t the\t order\t went\t down\t to\t the\t farms,\t and\t that\t night\t one\t hundred\t and\t eight men\t formed\t a\t tight\t ring\t around\t the\t bottom\t of\t the\t hill.\t They\t were\t armed\t with sticks\tand\tguns\tand\thatchets\tand\tpistols\tand\tall\tsorts\tof\tother\thorrible\tweapons. This\tmade\tit\tquite\timpossible\tfor\ta\tfox\tor\tindeed\tfor\tany\tother\tanimal\tto\tescape from\tthe\thill. The\tnext\tday,\tthe\twatching\tand\twaiting\twent\ton.\tBoggis\tand\tBunce\tand\tBean sat\tupon\tsmall\tstools,\tstaring\tat\tthe\tfox\u2019s\thole.\tThey\tdidn\u2019t\ttalk\tmuch.\tThey\tjust sat\tthere\twith\ttheir\tguns\ton\ttheir\tlaps.","Every\t so\t often,\t Mr\t Fox\t would\t creep\t a\t little\t closer\t towards\t the\t mouth\t of\t the tunnel\t and\t take\t a\t sniff.\t Then\t he\t would\t creep\t back\t again\t and\t say,\t \u2018They\u2019re\t still there.\u2019 \u2018Are\tyou\tquite\tsure?\u2019\tMrs\tFox\twould\task. \u2018Positive,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018I\tcan\tsmell\tthat\tman\tBean\ta\tmile\taway.\tHe\tstinks.\u2019","9 Mr\tFox\tHas\ta\tPlan For\tthree\tdays\tand\tthree\tnights\tthis\twaiting-game\twent\ton. \u2018How\t long\t can\t a\t fox\t go\t without\t food\t or\t water?\u2019\t Boggis\t asked\t on\t the\t third day. \u2018Not\t much\t longer\t now,\u2019\t Bean\t told\t him.\t \u2018He\u2019ll\t make\t a\t run\t for\t it\t soon.\t He\u2019ll have\tto.\u2019 Bean\twas\tright.\tDown\tin\tthe\ttunnel\tthe\tfoxes\twere\tslowly\tbut\tsurely\tstarving to\tdeath. \u2018If\t only\t we\t could\t have\t just\t a\t tiny\t sip\t of\t water,\u2019\t said\t one\t of\t the\t Small\t Foxes. \u2018Oh,\tDad,\tcan\u2019t\tyou\tdo\tsomething?\u2019 \u2018Couldn\u2019t\t we\t make\t a\t dash\t for\t it,\t Dad?\t We\u2019d\t have\t a\t little\t bit\t of\t a\t chance, wouldn\u2019t\twe?\u2019 \u2018No\tchance\tat\tall,\u2019\tsnapped\tMrs\tFox.\t\u2018I\trefuse\tto\tlet\tyou\tgo\tup\tthere\tand\tface those\tguns.\tI\u2019d\tsooner\tyou\tstay\tdown\there\tand\tdie\tin\tpeace.\u2019 Mr\tFox\thad\tnot\tspoken\tfor\ta\tlong\ttime.\tHe\thad\tbeen\tsitting\tquite\tstill,\this\teyes","closed,\tnot\teven\thearing\twhat\tthe\tothers\twere\tsaying.\tMrs\tFox\tknew\tthat\the\twas trying\tdesperately\tto\tthink\tof\ta\tway\tout.\tAnd\tnow,\tas\tshe\tlooked\tat\thim,\tshe\tsaw him\tstir\thimself\tand\tget\tslowly\tto\this\tfeet.\tHe\tlooked\tback\tat\this\twife.\tThere\twas a\tlittle\tspark\tof\texcitement\tdancing\tin\this\teyes. \u2018What\tis\tit,\tdarling?\u2019\tsaid\tMrs\tFox\tquickly. \u2018I\u2019ve\tjust\thad\ta\tbit\tof\tan\tidea,\u2019\tMr\tFox\tsaid\tcarefully. \u2018What?\u2019\tthey\tcried.\t\u2018Oh,\tDad,\twhat\tis\tit?\u2019 \u2018Come\ton!\u2019\tsaid\tMrs\tFox.\t\u2018Tell\tus\tquickly!\u2019 \u2018Well\u2026\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t then\t he\t stopped\t and\t sighed\t and\t sadly\t shook\t his\t head. He\tsat\tdown\tagain.\t\u2018It\u2019s\tno\tgood,\u2019\the\tsaid.\t\u2018It\twon\u2019t\twork\tafter\tall.\u2019 \u2018Why\tnot,\tDad?\u2019 \u2018Because\t it\t means\t more\t digging\t and\t we\t aren\u2019t\t any\t of\t us\t strong\t enough\t for that\tafter\tthree\tdays\tand\tnights\twithout\tfood.\u2019 \u2018Yes\t we\t are,\t Dad!\u2019\t cried\t the\t Small\t Foxes,\t jumping\t up\t and\t running\t to\t their father.\t\u2018We\tcan\tdo\tit!\tYou\tsee\tif\twe\tcan\u2019t!\tSo\tcan\tyou!\u2019 Mr\t Fox\t looked\t at\t the\t four\t Small\t Foxes\t and\t he\t smiled.\t What\t fine\t children\t I have,\t he\t thought.\t They\t are\t starving\t to\t death\t and\t they\t haven\u2019t\t had\t a\t drink\t for three\tdays,\tbut\tthey\tare\tstill\tundefeated.\tI\tmust\tnot\tlet\tthem\tdown. \u2018I\u2026\tI\tsuppose\twe\tcould\tgive\tit\ta\ttry,\u2019\the\tsaid. \u2018Let\u2019s\tgo,\tDad!\tTell\tus\twhat\tyou\twant\tus\tto\tdo!\u2019 Slowly,\t Mrs\t Fox\t got\t to\t her\t feet.\t She\t was\t suffering\t more\t than\t any\t of\t them from\t the\t lack\t of\t food\t and\t water.\t She\t was\t very\t weak.\t \u2018I\t am\t so\t sorry,\u2019\t she\t said, \u2018but\tI\tdon\u2019t\tthink\tI\tam\tgoing\tto\tbe\tmuch\thelp.\u2019 \u2018You\tstay\tright\twhere\tyou\tare,\tmy\tdarling,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018We\tcan\thandle\tthis by\tourselves.\u2019","10 Boggis\u2019s\tChicken\tHouse\tNumber\tOne \u2018This\t time\t we\t must\t go\t in\t a\t very\t special\t direction,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t pointing sideways\tand\tdownward. So\t he\t and\t his\t four\t children\t started\t to\t dig\t once\t again.\t The\t work\t went\t much more\t slowly\t now.\t Yet\t they\t kept\t at\t it\t with\t great\t courage,\t and\t little\t by\t little\t the tunnel\tbegan\tto\tgrow. \u2018Dad,\tI\twish\tyou\twould\ttell\tus\twhere\twe\tare\tgoing,\u2019\tsaid\tone\tof\tthe\tchildren. \u2018I\tdare\tnot\tdo\tthat,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox,\t\u2018because\tthis\tplace\tI\tam\thoping\tto\tget\tto\tis so\t marvellous\t that\t if\t I\t described\t it\t to\t you\t now\t you\t would\t go\t crazy\t with excitement.\t And\t then,\t if\t we\t failed\t to\t get\t there\t (which\t is\t very\t possible),\t you would\t die\t of\t disappointment.\t I\t don\u2019t\t want\t to\t raise\t your\t hopes\t too\t much,\t my darlings.\u2019 For\t a\t long\t long\t time\t they\t kept\t on\t digging.\t For\t how\t long\t they\t did\t not\t know, because\tthere\twere\tno\tdays\tand\tno\tnights\tdown\tthere\tin\tthe\tmurky\ttunnel.\tBut\tat last\tMr\tFox\tgave\tthe\torder\tto\tstop.\t\u2018I\tthink,\u2019\the\tsaid,\t\u2018we\thad\tbetter\ttake\ta\tpeep upstairs\t now\t and\t see\t where\t we\t are.\t I\t know\t where\t I\t want\t to\t be,\t but\t I\t can\u2019t possibly\tbe\tsure\twe\u2019re\tanywhere\tnear\tit.\u2019","Slowly,\t wearily,\t the\t foxes\t began\t to\t slope\t the\t tunnel\t up\t towards\t the\t surface. Up\t and\t up\t it\t went\u2026\t until\t suddenly\t they\t came\t to\t something\t hard\t above\t their heads\t and\t they\t couldn\u2019t\t go\t up\t any\t further.\t Mr\t Fox\t reached\t up\t to\t examine\t this hard\tthing.\t\u2018It\u2019s\twood!\u2019\the\twhispered.\t\u2018Wooden\tplanks!\u2019 \u2018What\tdoes\tthat\tmean,\tDad?\u2019 \u2018It\t means,\t unless\t I\t am\t very\t much\t mistaken,\t that\t we\t are\t right\t underneath somebody\u2019s\thouse,\u2019\twhispered\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018Be\tvery\tquiet\tnow\twhile\tI\ttake\ta\tpeek.\u2019 Carefully,\t Mr\t Fox\t began\t pushing\t up\t one\t of\t the\t floorboards.\t The\t board creaked\tmost\tterribly\tand\tthey\tall\tducked\tdown,\twaiting\tfor\tsomething\tawful\tto happen.\tNothing\tdid.\tSo\tMr\tFox\tpushed\tup\ta\tsecond\tboard.\tAnd\tthen,\tvery\tvery cautiously,\t he\t poked\t his\t head\t up\t through\t the\t gap.\t He\t let\t out\t a\t shriek\t of excitement. \u2018I\u2019ve\tdone\tit!\u2019\the\tyelled.\t\u2018I\u2019ve\tdone\tit\tfirst\ttime!\tI\u2019ve\tdone\tit!\tI\u2019ve\tdone\tit!\u2019\tHe pulled\thimself\tup\tthrough\tthe\tgap\tin\tthe\tfloor\tand\tstarted\tprancing\tand\tdancing with\t joy.\t \u2018Come\t on\t up!\u2019\t he\t sang\t out.\t \u2018Come\t up\t and\t see\t where\t you\t are,\t my","darlings!\tWhat\ta\tsight\tfor\ta\thungry\tfox!\tHallelujah!\tHooray!\tHooray!\u2019 The\t four\t Small\t Foxes\t scrambled\t up\t out\t of\t the\t tunnel\t and\t what\t a\t fantastic sight\t it\t was\t that\t now\t met\t their\t eyes!\t They\t were\t in\t a\t huge\t shed\t and\t the\t whole place\t was\t teeming\t with\t chickens.\t There\t were\t white\t chickens\t and\t brown chickens\tand\tblack\tchickens\tby\tthe\tthousand! \u2018Boggis\u2019s\t Chicken\t House\t Number\t One!\u2019\t cried\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018It\u2019s\t exactly\t what\t I was\taiming\tat!\tI\thit\tit\tslap\tin\tthe\tmiddle!\tFirst\ttime!\tIsn\u2019t\tthat\tfantastic!\tAnd,\tif\tI may\tsay\tso,\trather\tclever!\u2019 The\t Small\t Foxes\t went\t wild\t with\t excitement.\t They\t started\t running\t around\t in all\tdirections,\tchasing\tthe\tstupid\tchickens. \u2018Wait!\u2019\t ordered\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018Don\u2019t\t lose\t your\t heads!\t Stand\t back!\t Calm\t down! Let\u2019s\tdo\tthis\tproperly!\tFirst\tof\tall,\teveryone\thave\ta\tdrink\tof\twater!\u2019 They\t all\t ran\t over\t to\t the\t chickens\u2019\t drinking-trough\t and\t lapped\t up\t the\t lovely cool\t water.\t Then\t Mr\t Fox\t chose\t three\t of\t the\t plumpest\t hens,\t and\t with\t a\t clever flick\tof\this\tjaws\the\tkilled\tthem\tinstantly. \u2018Back\t to\t the\t tunnel!\u2019\t he\t ordered.\t \u2018Come\t on!\t No\t fooling\t around!\t The\t quicker you\tmove,\tthe\tquicker\tyou\tshall\thave\tsomething\tto\teat!\u2019","","One\t after\t another,\t they\t climbed\t down\t through\t the\t hole\t in\t the\t floor\t and\t soon they\t were\t all\t standing\t once\t again\t in\t the\t dark\t tunnel.\t Mr\t Fox\t reached\t up\t and pulled\t the\t floorboards\t back\t into\t place.\t He\t did\t this\t with\t great\t care.\t He\t did\t it\t so that\tno\tone\tcould\ttell\tthey\thad\tever\tbeen\tmoved. \u2018My\tson,\u2019\the\tsaid,\tgiving\tthe\tthree\tplump\thens\tto\tthe\tbiggest\tof\this\tfour\tsmall children,\t\u2018run\tback\twith\tthese\tto\tyour\tmother.\tTell\ther\tto\tprepare\ta\tfeast.\tTell\ther the\trest\tof\tus\twill\tbe\talong\tin\ta\tjiffy,\tas\tsoon\tas\twe\thave\tmade\ta\tfew\tother\tlittle arrangements.\u2019","11 A\tSurprise\tfor\tMrs\tFox The\t Small\t Fox\t ran\t back\t along\t the\t tunnel\t as\t fast\t as\t he\t could,\t carrying\t the\t three plump\thens.\tHe\twas\texploding\twith\tjoy.\t\u2018Just\twait!\u2019\the\tkept\tthinking.\t\u2018Just\twait till\tMummy\tsees\tthese!\u2019\tHe\thad\ta\tlong\tway\tto\trun\tbut\the\tnever\tstopped\tonce\ton the\t way\t and\t he\t came\t bursting\t in\t upon\t Mrs\t Fox.\t \u2018Mummy!\u2019\t he\t cried,\t out\t of breath.\t\u2018Look,\tMummy,\tlook!\tWake\tup\tand\tsee\twhat\tI\u2019ve\tbrought\tyou!\u2019 Mrs\t Fox,\t who\t was\t weaker\t than\t ever\t now\t from\t lack\t of\t food,\t opened\t one\t eye and\tlooked\tat\tthe\thens.\t\u2018I\u2019m\tdreaming,\u2019\tshe\tmurmured\tand\tclosed\tthe\teye\tagain. \u2018You\u2019re\t not\t dreaming,\t Mummy!\t They\u2019re\t real\t chickens!\t We\u2019re\t saved!\t We\u2019re not\tgoing\tto\tstarve!\u2019 Mrs\tFox\topened\tboth\teyes\tand\tsat\tup\tquickly.\t\u2018But,\tmy\tdear\tchild!\u2019\tshe\tcried. \u2018Where\ton\tearth\u2026?\u2019 \u2018Boggis\u2019s\t Chicken\t House\t Number\t One!\u2019\t spluttered\t the\t Small\t Fox.\t \u2018We tunnelled\tright\tup\tunder\tthe\tfloor\tand\tyou\u2019ve\tnever\tseen\tso\tmany\tbig\tfat\thens\tin","all\tyour\tlife!\tAnd\tDad\tsaid\tto\tprepare\ta\tfeast!\tThey\u2019ll\tbe\tback\tsoon!\u2019 The\t sight\t of\t food\t seemed\t to\t give\t new\t strength\t to\t Mrs\t Fox.\t \u2018A\t feast\t it\t shall be!\u2019\t she\t said,\t standing\t up.\t \u2018Oh,\t what\t a\t fantastic\t fox\t your\t father\t is!\t Hurry\t up, child,\tand\tstart\tplucking\tthose\tchickens!\u2019 Far\t away\t down\t in\t the\t tunnel,\t the\t fantastic\t Mr\t Fox\t was\t saying,\t \u2018Now\t for\t the next\t bit,\t my\t darlings!\t This\t one\u2019ll\t be\t as\t easy\t as\t pie!\t All\t we\t have\t to\t do\t is\t dig another\tlittle\ttunnel\tfrom\there\tto\tthere!\u2019 \u2018To\twhere,\tDad?\u2019 \u2018Don\u2019t\task\tso\tmany\tquestions.\tStart\tdigging!\u2019","12 Badger Mr\tFox\tand\tthe\tthree\tremaining\tSmall\tFoxes\tdug\tfast\tand\tstraight.\tThey\twere\tall too\t excited\t now\t to\t feel\t tired\t or\t hungry.\t They\t knew\t they\t were\t going\t to\t have\t a whacking\t great\t feast\t before\t long\t and\t the\t fact\t that\t it\t was\t none\t other\t than Boggis\u2019s\tchickens\tthey\twere\tgoing\tto\teat\tmade\tthem\tchurgle\twith\tlaughter\tevery time\t they\t thought\t of\t it.\t It\t was\t lovely\t to\t realize\t that\t while\t the\t fat\t farmer\t was sitting\t up\t there\t on\t the\t hill\t waiting\t for\t them\t to\t starve,\t he\t was\t also\t giving\t them their\t dinner\t without\t knowing\t it.\t \u2018Keep\t digging,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018It\u2019s\t not\t much further.\u2019 All\t of\t a\t sudden\t a\t deep\t voice\t above\t their\t heads\t said,\t \u2018Who\t goes\t there?\u2019\t The foxes\t jumped.\t They\t looked\t up\t quickly\t and\t they\t saw,\t peeking\t through\t a\t small","hole\tin\tthe\troof\tof\tthe\ttunnel,\ta\tlong\tblack\tpointed\tfurry\tface. \u2018Badger!\u2019\tcried\tMr\tFox. \u2018Foxy!\u2019\tcried\tBadger.\t\u2018My\tgoodness\tme,\tI\u2019m\tglad\tI\u2019ve\tfound\tsomeone\tat\tlast! I\u2019ve\tbeen\t digging\t around\tin\t circles\t for\t three\tdays\t and\t nights\tand\t I\t haven\u2019t\t the foggiest\tidea\twhere\tI\tam!\u2019 Badger\t made\t the\t hole\t in\t the\t ceiling\t bigger\t and\t dropped\t down\t beside\t the foxes.\t A\t Small\t Badger\t (his\t son)\t dropped\t down\t after\t him.\t \u2018Haven\u2019t\t you\t heard what\u2019s\t happening\t up\t on\t the\t hill?\u2019\t Badger\t said\t excitedly.\t \u2018It\u2019s\t chaos!\t Half\t the wood\t has\t disappeared\t and\t there\t are\t men\t with\t guns\t all\t over\t the\t countryside! None\tof\tus\tcan\tget\tout,\teven\tat\tnight!\tWe\u2019re\tall\tstarving\tto\tdeath!\u2019 \u2018Who\tis\twe?\u2019\tasked\tMr\tFox. \u2018All\t us\t diggers.\t That\u2019s\t me\t and\t Mole\t and\t Rabbit\t and\t all\t our\t wives\t and children.\t Even\t Weasel,\t who\t can\t usually\t sneak\t out\t of\t the\t tightest\t spots,\t is\t right now\thiding\tdown\tmy\thole\twith\tMrs\tWeasel\tand\tsix\tkids.\tWhat\ton\tearth\tare\twe going\tto\tdo,\tFoxy?\tI\tthink\twe\u2019re\tfinished!\u2019 Mr\t Fox\t looked\t at\t his\t three\t children\t and\t he\t smiled.\t The\t children\t smiled\t back at\thim,\tsharing\this\tsecret.\t\u2018My\tdear\told\tBadger,\u2019\the\tsaid,\t\u2018this\tmess\tyou\u2019re\tin\tis all\tmy\tfault\u2026\u2019 \u2018I\tknow\tit\u2019s\tyour\tfault!\u2019\tsaid\tBadger\tfuriously.\t\u2018And\tthe\tfarmers\tare\tnot\tgoing to\t give\t up\t till\t they\u2019ve\t got\t you.\t Unfortunately,\t that\t means\t us\t as\t well.\t It\t means everyone\t on\t the\t hill.\u2019\t Badger\t sat\t down\t and\t put\t a\t paw\t around\t his\t small\t son. \u2018We\u2019re\tdone\tfor,\u2019\the\tsaid\tsoftly.\t\u2018My\tpoor\twife\tup\tthere\tis\tso\tweak\tshe\tcan\u2019t\tdig another\tyard.\u2019","\u2018Nor\tcan\tmine,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018And\tyet\tat\tthis\tvery\tminute\tshe\tis\tpreparing\tfor me\tand\tmy\tchildren\tthe\tmost\tdelicious\tfeast\tof\tplump\tjuicy\tchickens\u2026\u2019 \u2018Stop!\u2019\tcried\tBadger.\t\u2018Don\u2019t\ttease\tme!\tI\tcan\u2019t\tstand\tit!\u2019 \u2018It\u2019s\t true!\u2019\t cried\t the\t Small\t Foxes.\t \u2018Dad\u2019s\t not\t teasing!\t We\u2019ve\t got\t chickens galore!\u2019 \u2018And\t because\t everything\t is\t entirely\t my\t fault,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t \u2018I\t invite\t you\t to share\t the\t feast.\t I\t invite\t everyone\t to\t share\t it\t \u2013\t you\t and\t Mole\t and\t Rabbit\t and Weasel\t and\t all\t your\t wives\t and\t children.\t There\u2019ll\t be\t plenty\t to\t go\t round,\t I\t can assure\tyou.\u2019 \u2018You\tmean\tit?\u2019\tcried\tBadger.\t\u2018You\treally\tmean\tit?\u2019 Mr\t Fox\t pushed\t his\t face\t close\t to\t Badger\u2019s\t and\t whispered\t darkly,\t \u2018Do\t you know\twhere\twe\u2019ve\tjust\tbeen?\u2019 \u2018Where?\u2019 \u2018Right\tinside\tBoggis\u2019s\tChicken\tHouse\tNumber\tOne!\u2019 \u2018No!\u2019 \u2018Yes!\t But\t that\t is\t nothing\t to\t where\t we\t are\t going\t now.\t You\t have\t come\t just\t at the\tright\tmoment,\tmy\tdear\tBadger.\tYou\tcan\thelp\tus\tdig.\tAnd\tin\tthe\tmeanwhile, your\t small\t son\t can\t run\t back\t to\t Mrs\t Badger\t and\t all\t the\t others\t and\t spread\t the good\t news.\u2019\t Mr\t Fox\t turned\t to\t the\t Small\t Badger\t and\t said,\t \u2018Tell\t them\t they\t are invited\t to\t a\t Fox\u2019s\t Feast.\t Then\t bring\t them\t all\t down\t here\t and\t follow\t this\t tunnel back\tuntil\tyou\tfind\tmy\thome!\u2019 \u2018Yes,\tMr\tFox!\u2019\tsaid\tthe\tSmall\t Badger.\t\u2018Yes,\tsir!\tRight\taway,\tsir!\tOh,\tthank you,\t sir!\u2019\t and\t he\t scrambled\t quickly\t back\t through\t the\t hole\t in\t the\t roof\t of\t the tunnel\tand\tdisappeared.","","13 Bunce\u2019s\tGiant\tStorehouse \u2018My\tdear\tFoxy!\u2019\tcried\tBadger.\t\u2018What\tin\tthe\tworld\thas\thappened\tto\tyour\ttail?\u2019 \u2018Don\u2019t\ttalk\tabout\tit,\tplease,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018It\u2019s\ta\tpainful\tsubject.\u2019 They\twere\tdigging\tthe\tnew\ttunnel.\tThey\tdug\ton\tin\tsilence.\tBadger\twas\ta\tgreat digger\t and\t the\t tunnel\t went\t forward\t at\t a\t terrific\t pace\t now\t that\t he\t was\t lending\t a paw.\tSoon\tthey\twere\tcrouching\tunderneath\tyet\tanother\twooden\tfloor. Mr\tFox\tgrinned\tslyly,\t showing\tsharp\twhite\tteeth.\t\u2018If\tI\tam\tnot\tmistaken,\tmy dear\t Badger,\u2019\t he\t said,\t \u2018we\t are\t now\t underneath\t the\t farm\t which\t belongs\t to\t that nasty\t little\t pot-bellied\t dwarf,\t Bunce.\t We\t are,\t in\t fact,\t directly\t underneath\t the most\tinteresting\tpart\tof\tthat\tfarm.\u2019 \u2018Ducks\t and\t geese!\u2019\t cried\t the\t Small\t Foxes,\t licking\t their\t lips.\t \u2018Juicy\t tender ducks\tand\tbig\tfat\tgeese!\u2019 \u2018Ex-actly!\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. \u2018But\thow\tin\tthe\tworld\tcan\tyou\tknow\twhere\twe\tare?\u2019\tasked\tBadger. Mr\t Fox\t grinned\t again,\t showing\t even\t more\t white\t teeth.\t \u2018Look,\u2019\t he\t said,\t \u2018I know\t my\t way\t around\t these\t farms\t blindfold.\t For\t me\t it\u2019s\t just\t as\t easy\t below ground\tas\tit\tis\tabove\tit.\u2019\tHe\treached\thigh\tand\tpushed\tup\tone\twooden\tfloorboard, then\tanother.\tHe\tpoked\this\thead\tthrough\tthe\tgap. \u2018Yes!\u2019\t he\t shouted,\t jumping\t up\t into\t the\t room\t above.\t \u2018I\u2019ve\t done\t it\t again!\t I\u2019ve hit\tit\tsmack\ton\tthe\tnose!\tRight\tin\tthe\tbull\u2019s-eye!\tCome\tand\tlook!\u2019","Quickly\t Badger\t and\t the\t three\t Small\t Foxes\t scrambled\t up\t after\t him.\t They stopped\t and\t stared.\t They\t stood\t and\t gaped.\t They\t were\t so\t overwhelmed\t they couldn\u2019t\t speak;\t for\t what\t they\t now\t saw\t was\t a\t kind\t of\t fox\u2019s\t dream,\t a\t badger\u2019s dream,\ta\tparadise\tfor\thungry\tanimals. \u2018This,\t my\t dear\t old\t Badger,\u2019\t proclaimed\t Mr\t Fox,\t \u2018is\t Bunce\u2019s\t Mighty Storehouse!\tAll\this\tfinest\tstuff\tis\tstored\tin\there\tbefore\the\tsends\tit\toff\tto\tmarket.\u2019 Against\t all\t the\t four\t walls\t of\t the\t great\t room,\t stacked\t in\t cupboards\t and\t piled upon\tshelves\treaching\tfrom\tfloor\tto\tceiling,\twere\tthousands\tand\tthousands\tof\tthe finest\t and\t fattest\t ducks\t and\t geese,\t plucked\t and\t ready\t for\t roasting!\t And\t up above,\tdangling\tfrom\tthe\trafters,\tthere\tmust\thave\tbeen\tat\tleast\ta\thundred\tsmoked hams\tand\tfifty\tsides\tof\tbacon! \u2018Just\t feast\t your\t eyes\t on\t that!\u2019\t cried\t Mr\t Fox,\t dancing\t up\t and\t down.\t \u2018What d\u2019you\tthink\tof\tit,\teh?\tPretty\tgood\tgrub!\u2019","","Suddenly,\t as\t though\t springs\t had\t been\t released\t in\t their\t legs,\t the\t three\t hungry Small\t Foxes\t and\t the\t ravenously\t hungry\t Badger\t sprang\t forward\t to\t grab\t the luscious\tfood. \u2018Stop!\u2019\t ordered\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018This\t is\t my\t party,\t so\t I\t shall\t do\t the\t choosing.\u2019\t The others\t fell\t back,\t licking\t their\t chops.\t Mr\t Fox\t began\t prowling\t around\t the storehouse\texamining\tthe\tglorious\tdisplay\twith\tan\texpert\teye.\tA\tthread\tof\tsaliva slid\tdown\tone\tside\tof\this\tjaw\tand\thung\tsuspended\tin\tmid-air,\tthen\tsnapped. \u2018We\t mustn\u2019t\t overdo\t it,\u2019\t he\t said.\t \u2018Mustn\u2019t\t give\t the\t game\t away.\t Mustn\u2019t\t let them\tknow\twhat\twe\u2019ve\tbeen\tup\tto.\tWe\tmust\tbe\tneat\tand\ttidy\tand\ttake\tjust\ta\tfew of\tthe\tchoicest\tmorsels.\tSo,\tto\tstart\twith\twe\tshall\thave\tfour\tplump\tyoung\tducks.\u2019 He\t took\t them\t from\t the\t shelf.\t \u2018Oh,\t how\t lovely\t and\t fat\t they\t are!\t No\t wonder Bunce\tgets\ta\tspecial\tprice\tfor\tthem\tin\tthe\tmarket!\u2026\tAll\tright,\tBadger,\tlend\tme\ta hand\t to\t get\t them\t down\u2026\t You\t children\t can\t help\t as\t well\u2026\t There\t we\t go\u2026 Goodness\tme,\tlook\thow\tyour\tmouths\tare\twatering\u2026\tAnd\tnow\u2026\tI\tthink\twe\thad better\thave\ta\tfew\tgeese\u2026\tThree\twill\tbe\tquite\tenough\u2026\tWe\u2019ll\ttake\tthe\tbiggest\u2026 Oh\t my,\t oh\t my,\t you\u2019ll\t never\t see\t finer\t geese\t than\t these\t in\t a\t king\u2019s\t kitchen\u2026 Gently\t does\t it\u2026\t that\u2019s\t the\t way\u2026\t And\t what\t about\t a\t couple\t of\t nice\t smoked hams\u2026\t I\t adore\t smoked\t ham,\t don\u2019t\t you,\t Badger?\u2026\t Fetch\t me\t that\t step-ladder, will\tyou\tplease\u2026\u2019 Mr\tFox\tclimbed\tup\tthe\tladder\tand\thanded\tdown\tthree\tmagnificent\thams.\t\u2018And do\tyou\tlike\tbacon,\tBadger?\u2019 \u2018I\u2019m\tmad\tabout\tbacon!\u2019\tcried\tBadger,\tdancing\twith\texcitement.\t\u2018Let\u2019s\thave\ta","side\tof\tbacon!\tThat\tbig\tone\tup\tthere!\u2019 \u2018And\tcarrots,\tDad!\u2019\tsaid\tthe\tsmallest\tof\tthe\tthree\tSmall\tFoxes.\t\u2018We\tmust\ttake some\tof\tthose\tcarrots.\u2019 \u2018Don\u2019t\tbe\ta\ttwerp,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018You\tknow\twe\tnever\teat\tthings\tlike\tthat.\u2019 \u2018It\u2019s\tnot\tfor\tus,\tDad.\tIt\u2019s\tfor\tthe\tRabbits.\tThey\tonly\teat\tvegetables.\u2019 \u2018My\t goodness\t me,\t you\u2019re\t right!\u2019\t cried\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018What\t a\t thoughtful\t little fellow\tyou\tare!\tTake\tten\tbunches\tof\tcarrots!\u2019 Soon,\t all\t this\t lovely\t loot\t was\t lying\t in\t a\t neat\t heap\t upon\t the\t floor.\t The\t Small Foxes\tcrouched\tclose,\ttheir\tnoses\ttwitching,\ttheir\teyes\tshining\tlike\tstars. \u2018And\tnow,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox,\t\u2018we\tshall\thave\tto\tborrow\tfrom\tour\tfriend\tBunce\ttwo of\t those\t useful\t pushcarts\t over\t in\t the\t corner.\u2019\t He\t and\t Badger\t fetched\t the pushcarts,\tand\tthe\tducks\tand\tgeese\tand\thams\tand\tbacon\twere\tloaded\ton\tto\tthem. Quickly\t the\t pushcarts\t were\t lowered\t through\t the\t hole\t in\t the\t floor.\t The\t animals slid\t down\t after\t them.\t Back\t in\t the\t tunnel,\t Mr\t Fox\t again\t pulled\t the\t floorboards very\tcarefully\tinto\tplace\tso\tthat\tno\tone\tcould\tsee\tthey\thad\tbeen\tmoved. \u2018My\t darlings,\u2019\t he\t said,\t pointing\t to\t two\t of\t the\t three\t Small\t Foxes,\t \u2018take\t a\t cart each\tand\trun\tback\tas\tfast\tas\tyou\tcan\tto\tyour\tmother.\tGive\ther\tmy\tlove\tand\ttell her\t we\t are\t having\t guests\t for\t dinner\t \u2013\t the\t Badgers,\t the\t Moles,\t the\t Rabbits\t and the\tWeasels.\tTell\ther\tit\tmust\tbe\ta\ttruly\tgreat\tfeast.\tAnd\ttell\ther\tthe\trest\tof\tus\twill be\thome\tas\tsoon\tas\twe\u2019ve\tdone\tone\tmore\tlittle\tjob.\u2019 \u2018Yes,\tDad!\tRight\taway,\tDad!\u2019\tthey\tanswered,\tand\tthey\tgrabbed\ta\ttrolley\teach and\twent\trushing\toff\tdown\tthe\ttunnel.","","14 Badger\tHas\tDoubts \u2018Just\tone\tmore\tvisit!\u2019\tcried\tMr\tFox. \u2018And\t I\u2019ll\t bet\t I\t know\t where\t that\u2019ll\t be,\u2019\t said\t the\t only\t Small\t Fox\t now\t left.\t He was\tthe\tSmallest\tFox\tof\tthem\tall. \u2018Where?\u2019\tasked\tBadger. \u2018Well,\u2019\t said\t the\t Smallest\t Fox.\t \u2018We\u2019ve\t been\t to\t Boggis\t and\t we\u2019ve\t been\t to Bunce\tbut\twe\thaven\u2019t\tbeen\tto\tBean.\tIt\tmust\tbe\tBean.\u2019 \u2018You\t are\t right,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018But\t what\t you\t don\u2019t\t know\t is\t which\t part\t of Bean\u2019s\tplace\twe\tare\tabout\tto\tvisit.\u2019 \u2018Which?\u2019\tthey\tsaid\tboth\ttogether. \u2018Ah-ha,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018Just\t you\t wait\t and\t see.\u2019\t They\t were\t digging\t as\t they talked.\tThe\ttunnel\twas\tgoing\tforward\tfast. Suddenly\tBadger\tsaid,\t\u2018Doesn\u2019t\tthis\tworry\tyou\tjust\ta\ttiny\tbit,\tFoxy?\u2019 \u2018Worry\tme?\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018What?\u2019 \u2018All\tthis\u2026\tthis\tstealing.\u2019 Mr\t Fox\t stopped\t digging\t and\t stared\t at\t Badger\t as\t though\t he\t had\t gone completely\t dotty.\t \u2018My\t dear\t old\t furry\t frump,\u2019\t he\t said,\t \u2018do\t you\t know\t anyone\t in the\t whole\t world\t who\t wouldn\u2019t\t swipe\t a\t few\t chickens\t if\t his\t children\t were starving\tto\tdeath?\u2019 There\twas\ta\tshort\tsilence\twhile\tBadger\tthought\tdeeply\tabout\tthis. \u2018You\tare\tfar\ttoo\trespectable,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. \u2018There\u2019s\tnothing\twrong\twith\tbeing\trespectable,\u2019\tBadger\tsaid. \u2018Look,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t \u2018Boggis\t and\t Bunce\t and\t Bean\t are\t out\t to\t kill\t us.\t You realize\tthat,\tI\thope?\u2019 \u2018I\tdo,\tFoxy,\tI\tdo\tindeed,\u2019\tsaid\tthe\tgentle\tBadger. \u2018But\twe\u2019re\tnot\tgoing\tto\tstoop\tto\ttheir\tlevel.\tWe\tdon\u2019t\twant\tto\tkill\tthem.\u2019 \u2018I\tshould\thope\tnot,\tindeed,\u2019\tsaid\tBadger.","\u2018We\t wouldn\u2019t\t dream\t of\t it,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018We\t shall\t simply\t take\t a\t little\t food here\tand\tthere\tto\tkeep\tus\tand\tour\tfamilies\talive.\tRight?\u2019 \u2018I\tsuppose\twe\u2019ll\thave\tto,\u2019\tsaid\tBadger. \u2018If\tthey\twant\tto\tbe\thorrible,\tlet\tthem,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018We\tdown\there\tare\tdecent peace-loving\tpeople.\u2019 Badger\t laid\t his\t head\t on\t one\t side\t and\t smiled\t at\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018Foxy,\u2019\t he\t said,\t \u2018I love\tyou.\u2019 \u2018Thank\tyou,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018And\tnow\tlet\u2019s\tget\ton\twith\tthe\tdigging.\u2019 Five\t minutes\t later,\t Badger\u2019s\t front\t paws\t hit\t against\t something\t flat\t and\t hard. \u2018What\ton\tearth\tis\tthis?\u2019\the\tsaid.\t\u2018It\tlooks\tlike\ta\tsolid\tstone\twall.\u2019\tHe\tand\tMr\tFox scraped\t away\t the\t soil.\t It\t was\t a\t wall.\t But\t it\t was\t built\t of\t bricks,\t not\t stones.\t The wall\twas\tright\tin\tfront\tof\tthem,\tblocking\ttheir\tway. \u2018Now\twho\tin\tthe\tworld\twould\tbuild\ta\twall\tunder\tthe\tground?\u2019\tasked\tBadger. \u2018Very\t simple,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018It\u2019s\t the\t wall\t of\t an\t underground\t room.\t And\t if\t I am\tnot\tmistaken,\tit\tis\texactly\twhat\tI\u2019m\tlooking\tfor.\u2019","15 Bean\u2019s\tSecret\tCider\tCellar Mr\tFox\texamined\tthe\twall\tcarefully.\tHe\tsaw\tthat\tthe\tcement\tbetween\tthe\tbricks was\told\tand\tcrumbly,\tso\the\tloosened\ta\tbrick\twithout\tmuch\ttrouble\tand\tpulled\tit away.\t Suddenly,\t out\t from\t the\t hole\t where\t the\t brick\t had\t been,\t there\t popped\t a small\tsharp\tface\twith\twhiskers.\t\u2018Go\taway!\u2019\tit\tsnapped.\t\u2018You\tcan\u2019t\tcome\tin\there! It\u2019s\tprivate!\u2019 \u2018Good\tLord!\u2019\tsaid\tBadger.\t\u2018It\u2019s\tRat!\u2019 \u2018You\tsaucy\tbeast!\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018I\tshould\thave\tguessed\twe\u2019d\tfind\tyou\tdown here\tsomewhere.\u2019 \u2018Go\taway!\u2019\tshrieked\tRat.\t\u2018Go\ton,\tbeat\tit!\tThis\tis\tmy\tprivate\tpitch!\u2019 \u2018Shut\tup,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. \u2018I\twill\tnot\tshut\tup!\u2019\tshrieked\tRat.\t\u2018This\tis\tmy\tplace!\tI\tgot\there\tfirst!\u2019 Mr\tFox\tgave\ta\tbrilliant\tsmile,\tflashing\this\twhite\tteeth.\t\u2018My\tdear\tRat,\u2019\the\tsaid softly,\t\u2018I\tam\ta\thungry\tfellow\tand\tif\tyou\tdon\u2019t\thop\tit\tquickly\tI\tshall\teat-you-up- in-one-gulp!\u2019","That\t did\t it.\t Rat\t popped\t back\t fast\t out\t of\t sight.\t Mr\t Fox\t laughed\t and\t began pulling\tmore\tbricks\tout\tof\tthe\twall.\tWhen\the\thad\tmade\ta\tbiggish\thole,\the\tcrept through\tit.\tBadger\tand\tthe\tSmallest\tFox\tfollowed\thim\tin. They\t found\t themselves\t in\t a\t vast,\t damp,\t gloomy\t cellar.\t \u2018This\t is\t it!\u2019\t cried\t Mr Fox. \u2018This\tis\twhat?\u2019\tsaid\tBadger.\t\u2018The\tplace\tis\tempty\u2019 \u2018Where\t are\t the\t turkeys?\u2019\t asked\t the\t Smallest\t Fox,\t staring\t into\t the\t gloom.\t \u2018I thought\tBean\twas\ta\tturkey\tman.\u2019 \u2018He\t is\t a\t turkey\t man,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018But\t we\u2019re\t not\t after\t turkeys\t now.\t We\u2019ve got\tplenty\tof\tfood.\u2019 \u2018Then\twhat\tdo\twe\tneed,\tDad?\u2019 \u2018Take\ta\tgood\tlook\tround,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018Don\u2019t\tyou\tsee\tanything\tthat\tinterests","you?\u2019 Badger\t and\t the\t Smallest\t Fox\t peered\t into\t the\t half-darkness.\t As\t their\t eyes became\taccustomed\tto\tthe\tgloom,\tthey\tbegan\tto\tsee\twhat\tlooked\tlike\ta\twhole\tlot of\tbig\tglass\tjars\tstanding\tupon\tshelves\taround\tthe\twalls.\tThey\twent\tcloser.\tThey were\t jars.\t There\t were\t hundreds\t of\t them,\t and\t upon\t each\t one\t was\t written\t the word\tCIDER. The\tSmallest\tFox\tleaped\thigh\tin\tthe\tair.\t\u2018Oh,\tDad!\u2019\the\tcried\tout.\t\u2018Look\twhat we\u2019ve\tfound!\tIt\u2019s\tcider!\u2019 \u2018Ex-actly,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. \u2018Tremendous!\u2019\tshouted\tBadger. \u2018Bean\u2019s\tSecret\tCider\tCellar,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018But\tgo\tcarefully,\tmy\tdears.\tDon\u2019t make\ta\tnoise.\tThis\tcellar\tis\tright\tunderneath\tthe\tfarmhouse\titself.\u2019 \u2018Cider,\u2019\tsaid\tBadger,\t\u2018is\tespecially\tgood\tfor\tBadgers.\tWe\ttake\tit\tas\tmedicine\t\u2013 one\tlarge\tglass\tthree\ttimes\ta\tday\twith\tmeals\tand\tanother\tat\tbedtime.\u2019 \u2018It\twill\tmake\tthe\tfeast\tinto\ta\tbanquet,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. While\tthey\twere\ttalking,\tthe\tSmallest\tFox\thad\tsneaked\ta\tjar\toff\tthe\tshelf\tand had\ttaken\ta\tgulp.\t\u2018Wow!\u2019\the\tgasped.\t\u2018Wow-ee!\u2019 You\tmust\tunderstand\tthis\twas\tnot\tthe\tordinary\tweak\tfizzy\tcider\tone\tbuys\tin\ta store.\tIt\twas\tthe\treal\tstuff,\ta\thome-brewed\tfiery\tliquor\tthat\tburned\tin\tyour\tthroat and\tboiled\tin\tyour\tstomach. \u2018Ah-h-h-h-h-h!\u2019\tgasped\tthe\tSmallest\tFox.\t\u2018This\tis\tsome\tcider!\u2019","\u2018That\u2019s\t quite\t enough\t of\t that,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t grabbing\t the\t jar\t and\t putting\t it\t to his\t own\t lips.\t He\t took\t a\t tremendous\t gulp.\t \u2018It\u2019s\t miraculous!\u2019\t he\t whispered, fighting\tfor\tbreath.\t\u2018It\u2019s\tfabulous!\tIt\u2019s\tbeautiful!\u2019 \u2018It\u2019s\t my\t turn,\u2019\t said\t Badger,\t taking\t the\t jar\t and\t tilting\t his\t head\t well\t back.\t The cider\t gurgled\t and\t bubbled\t down\t his\t throat.\t \u2018It\u2019s\u2026\t it\u2019s\t like\t melted\t gold!\u2019\t he gasped.\t\u2018Oh,\tFoxy,\tit\u2019s\u2026\tlike\tdrinking\tsunbeams\tand\trainbows!\u2019 \u2018You\u2019re\tpoaching!\u2019\tshrieked\tRat.\t\u2018Put\tthat\tdown\tat\tonce!\tThere\u2019ll\tbe\tnone\tleft for\t me!\u2019\t Rat\t was\t perched\t upon\t the\t highest\t shelf\t in\t the\t cellar,\t peering\t out\t from behind\ta\thuge\tjar.\tThere\twas\ta\tsmall\trubber\ttube\tinserted\tin\tthe\tneck\tof\tthe\tjar, and\tRat\twas\tusing\tthis\ttube\tto\tsuck\tout\tthe\tcider. \u2018You\u2019re\tdrunk!\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox. \u2018Mind\t your\t own\t business!\u2019\t shrieked\t Rat.\t \u2018And\t if\t you\t great\t clumsy\t brutes come\tmessing\tabout\tin\there\twe\u2019ll\tall\tbe\tcaught!\tGet\tout\tand\tleave\tme\tto\tsip\tmy cider\tin\tpeace.\u2019 At\t that\t moment\t they\t heard\t a\t woman\u2019s\t voice\t calling\t out\t in\t the\t house\t above them.\t \u2018Hurry\t up\t and\t get\t that\t cider,\t Mabel!\u2019\t the\t voice\t called.\t \u2018You\t know\t Mr Bean\tdoesn\u2019t\tlike\tto\tbe\tkept\twaiting!\tEspecially\twhen\the\u2019s\tbeen\tout\tall\tnight\tin\ta tent!\u2019 The\tanimals\tfroze.\tThey\tstayed\tabsolutely\tstill,\ttheir\tears\tpricked,\ttheir\tbodies tense.\t Then\t they\t heard\t the\t sound\t of\t a\t door\t being\t opened.\t The\t door\t was\t at\t the top\tof\ta\tflight\tof\tstone\tsteps\tleading\tdown\tfrom\tthe\thouse\tto\tthe\tcellar. And\tnow\tsomeone\twas\tstarting\tto\tcome\tdown\tthose\tsteps.","","16 The\tWoman \u2018Quick!\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018Hide!\u2019\t He\t and\t Badger\t and\t the\t Smallest\t Fox\t jumped\t up on\t to\t a\t shelf\t and\t crouched\t behind\t a\t row\t of\t big\t cider\t jars.\t Peering\t around\t the jars,\t they\t saw\t a\t huge\t woman\t coming\t down\t into\t the\t cellar.\t At\t the\t foot\t of\t the steps,\tthe\twoman\tpaused,\tlooking\tto\tright\tand\tleft.\tThen\tshe\tturned\tand\theaded straight\t for\t the\t place\t where\t Mr\t Fox\t and\t Badger\t and\t the\t Smallest\t Fox\t were hiding.\tShe\tstopped\tright\tin\tfront\tof\tthem.\tThe\tonly\tthing\tbetween\ther\tand\tthem was\t a\t row\t of\t cider\t jars.\t She\t was\t so\t close,\t Mr\t Fox\t could\t hear\t the\t sound\t of\t her breathing.\t Peeping\t through\t the\t crack\t between\t two\t bottles,\t he\t noticed\t that\t she carried\ta\tbig\trolling-pin\tin\tone\thand.","","\u2018How\tmany\twill\the\twant\tthis\ttime,\tMrs\tBean?\u2019\tthe\twoman\tshouted.\tAnd\tfrom the\ttop\tof\tthe\tsteps\tthe\tother\tvoice\tcalled\tback,\t\u2018Bring\tup\ttwo\tor\tthree\tjars.\u2019 \u2018He\tdrank\tfour\tyesterday,\tMrs\tBean.\u2019 \u2018Yes,\tbut\the\twon\u2019t\twant\tthat\tmany\ttoday\tbecause\the\u2019s\tnot\tgoing\tto\tbe\tup\tthere more\tthan\ta\tfew\thours\tlonger.\tHe\tsays\tthe\tfox\tis\tbound\tto\tmake\ta\trun\tfor\tit\tthis morning.\tIt\tcan\u2019t\tpossibly\tstay\tdown\tthat\thole\tanother\tday\twithout\tfood.\u2019 The\t woman\t in\t the\t cellar\t reached\t out\t and\t lifted\t ajar\t of\t cider\t from\t the\t shelf. The\t jar\t she\t took\t was\t next\t but\t one\t to\t the\t jar\t behind\t which\t Mr\t Fox\t was crouching. \u2018I\u2019ll\tbe\tglad\twhen\tthe\trotten\tbrute\tis\tkilled\tand\tstrung\tup\ton\tthe\tfront\tporch,\u2019 she\tcalled\tout.\t\u2018And\tby\tthe\tway,\tMrs\tBean,\tyour\thusband\tpromised\tI\tcould\thave the\ttail\tas\ta\tsouvenir.\u2019 \u2018The\t tail\u2019s\t been\t all\t shot\t to\t pieces,\u2019\t said\t the\t voice\t from\t upstairs.\t \u2018Didn\u2019t\t you know\tthat?\u2019 \u2018You\tmean\tit\u2019s\truined?\u2019 \u2018Of\tcourse\tit\u2019s\truined.\tThey\tshot\tthe\ttail\tbut\tmissed\tthe\tfox.\u2019 \u2018Oh\theck!\u2019\tsaid\tthe\tbig\twoman.\t\u2018I\tdid\tso\twant\tthat\ttail!\u2019 \u2018You\tcan\thave\tthe\thead\tinstead,\tMabel.\tYou\tcan\tget\tit\tstuffed\tand\thang\tit\ton your\tbedroom\twall.\tHurry\tup\tnow\twith\tthat\tcider!\u2019 \u2018Yes,\t Ma\u2019am,\t I\u2019m\t coming,\u2019\t said\t the\t big\t woman,\t and\t she\t took\t a\t second\t jar from\tthe\tshelf. If\t she\t takes\t one\t more,\t she\u2019ll\t see\t us,\t thought\t Mr\t Fox.\t He\t could\t feel\t the Smallest\tFox\u2019s\tbody\tpressed\ttightly\tagainst\this\town,\tquivering\twith\texcitement. \u2018Will\ttwo\tbe\tenough,\tMrs\tBean,\tor\tshall\tI\ttake\tthree?\u2019 \u2018My\tgoodness,\tMabel,\tI\tdon\u2019t\tcare\tso\tlong\tas\tyou\tget\ta\tmove\ton!\u2019","\u2018Then\ttwo\tit\tis,\u2019\tsaid\tthe\thuge\twoman,\tspeaking\tto\therself\tnow.\t\u2018He\tdrinks\ttoo much\tanyway.\u2019 Carrying\ta\tjar\tin\teach\thand\tand\twith\tthe\trolling-pin\ttucked\tunder\tone\tarm,\tshe walked\t away\t across\t the\t cellar.\t At\t the\t foot\t of\t the\t steps\t she\t paused\t and\t looked around,\t sniffing\t the\t air.\t \u2018There\u2019s\t rats\t down\t here\t again,\t Mrs\t Bean.\t I\t can\t smell \u2019em.\u2019 \u2018Then\t poison\t them,\t woman,\t poison\t them!\t You\t know\t where\t the\t poison\u2019s kept.\u2019 \u2018Yes,\tMa\u2019am,\u2019\tMabel\tsaid.\tShe\tclimbed\tslowly\tout\tof\tsight\tup\tthe\tsteps.\tThe door\tslammed. \u2018Quick!\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018Grab\tajar\teach\tand\trun\tfor\tit!\u2019 Rat\tstood\ton\this\thigh\tshelf\tand\tshrieked.\t\u2018What\tdid\tI\ttell\tyou!\tYou\tnearly\tgot nabbed,\tdidn\u2019t\tyou?\tYou\tnearly\tgave\tthe\tgame\taway!\tYou\tkeep\tout\tof\there\tfrom now\ton!\tI\tdon\u2019t\twant\tyou\taround!\tThis\tis\tmy\tplace!\u2019 \u2018You,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox,\t\u2018are\tgoing\tto\tbe\tpoisoned.\u2019 \u2018Poppycock!\u2019\t said\t Rat.\t \u2018I\t sit\t up\t here\t and\t watch\t her\t putting\t the\t stuff\t down. She\u2019ll\tnever\tget\tme.\u2019 Mr\t Fox\t and\t Badger\t and\t the\t Smallest\t Fox\t ran\t across\t the\t cellar\t clutching\t a gallon\tjar\teach.\t\u2018Goodbye,\tRat!\u2019\tthey\tcalled\tout\tas\tthey\tdisappeared\tthrough\tthe hole\tin\tthe\twall.\t\u2018Thanks\tfor\tthe\tlovely\tcider!\u2019 \u2018Thieves!\u2019\tshrieked\tRat.\t\u2018Robbers!\tBandits!\tBurglars!\u2019","17 The\tGreat\tFeast Back\t in\t the\t tunnel\t they\t paused\t so\t that\t Mr\t Fox\t could\t brick\t up\t the\t hole\t in\t the wall.\tHe\twas\thumming\tto\thimself\tas\the\tput\tthe\tbricks\tback\tin\tplace.\t\u2018I\tcan\tstill taste\tthat\tglorious\tcider,\u2019\the\tsaid.\t\u2018What\tan\timpudent\tfellow\tRat\tis.\u2019 \u2018He\t has\t bad\t manners,\u2019\t Badger\t said.\t \u2018All\t rats\t have\t bad\t manners.\t I\u2019ve\t never met\ta\tpolite\trat\tyet.\u2019 \u2018And\the\tdrinks\ttoo\tmuch,\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox,\tputting\tthe\tlast\tbrick\tin\tplace.\t\u2018There we\tare.\tNow,\thome\tto\tthe\tfeast!\u2019 They\t grabbed\t their\t jars\t of\t cider\t and\t off\t they\t went.\t Mr\t Fox\t was\t in\t front,\t the Smallest\t Fox\t came\t next\t and\t Badger\t last.\t Along\t the\t tunnel\t they\t flew\u2026\t past\t the turning\t that\t led\t to\t Bunce\u2019s\t Mighty\t Storehouse\u2026\t past\t Boggis\u2019s\t Chicken\t House Number\t One\t and\t then\t up\t the\t long\t home\t stretch\t towards\t the\t place\t where\t they knew\tMrs\tFox\twould\tbe\twaiting. \u2018Keep\t it\t up,\t my\t darlings!\u2019\t shouted\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018We\u2019ll\t soon\t be\t there!\t Think what\u2019s\twaiting\tfor\tus\tat\tthe\tother\tend!\tAnd\tjust\tthink\twhat\twe\u2019re\tbringing\thome with\tus\tin\tthese\tjars!\tThat\tought\tto\tcheer\tup\tpoor\tMrs\tFox.\u2019\tMr\tFox\tsang\ta\tlittle song\tas\the\tran: \u2018Home\tagain\tswiftly\tI\tglide, Back\tto\tmy\tbeautiful\tbride. She\u2019ll\tnot\tfeel\tso\trotten As\tsoon\tas\tshe\u2019s\tgotten","Some\tcider\tinside\ther\tinside.\u2019 Then\tBadger\tjoined\tin: \u2018Oh\tpoor\tMrs\tBadger,\the\tcried, So\thungry\tshe\tvery\tnear\tdied. But\tshe\u2019ll\tnot\tfeel\tso\thollow If\tonly\tshe\u2019ll\tswallow Some\tcider\tinside\ther\tinside.\u2019","They\twere\tstill\tsinging\tas\tthey\trounded\tthe\tfinal\tcorner\tand\tburst\tin\tupon\tthe most\twonderful\tand\tamazing\tsight\tany\tof\tthem\thad\tever\tseen.\tThe\tfeast\twas\tjust beginning.\t A\t large\t dining-room\t had\t been\t hollowed\t out\t of\t the\t earth,\t and\t in\t the middle\tof\tit,\tseated\taround\ta\thuge\ttable,\twere\tno\tless\tthan\ttwenty-nine\tanimals. They\twere: Mrs\tFox\tand\tthree\tSmall\tFoxes. Mrs\tBadger\tand\tthree\tSmall\tBadgers. Mole\tand\tMrs\tMole\tand\tfour\tSmall\tMoles. Rabbit\tand\tMrs\tRabbit\tand\tfive\tSmall\tRabbits. Weasel\tand\tMrs\tWeasel\tand\tsix\tSmall\tWeasels. The\t table\t was\t covered\t with\t chickens\t and\t ducks\t and\t geese\t and\t hams\t and bacon,\tand\teveryone\twas\ttucking\tinto\tthe\tlovely\tfood.","\u2018My\tdarling!\u2019\tcried\tMrs\tFox,\tjumping\tup\tand\thugging\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018We\tcouldn\u2019t wait!\t Please\t forgive\t us!\u2019\t Then\t she\t hugged\t the\t Smallest\t Fox\t of\t all,\t and\t Mrs Badger\thugged\tBadger,\tand\teveryone\thugged\teveryone\telse.\tAmid\tshouts\tof\tjoy, the\t great\t jars\t of\t cider\t were\t placed\t upon\t the\t table,\t and\t Mr\t Fox\t and\t Badger\t and the\tSmallest\tFox\tsat\tdown\twith\tthe\tothers. You\t must\t remember\t no\t one\t had\t eaten\t a\t thing\t for\t several\t days.\t They\t were ravenous.\t So\t for\t a\t while\t there\t was\t no\t conversation\t at\t all.\t There\t was\t only\t the sound\tof\tcrunching\tand\tchewing\tas\tthe\tanimals\tattacked\tthe\tsucculent\tfood. At\tlast,\tBadger\tstood\tup.\tHe\traised\this\tglass\tof\tcider\tand\tcalled\tout,\tA\ttoast!\tI want\tyou\tall\tto\tstand\tand\tdrink\ta\ttoast\tto\tour\tdear\tfriend\twho\thas\tsaved\tour\tlives this\tday\t\u2013\tMr\tFox!\u2019 \u2018To\t Mr\t Fox!\u2019\t they\t all\t shouted,\t standing\t up\t and\t raising\t their\t glasses.\t \u2018To\t Mr Fox!\tLong\tmay\the\tlive!\u2019","Then\tMrs\tFox\tgot\tshyly\tto\ther\tfeet\tand\tsaid,\t\u2018I\tdon\u2019t\twant\tto\tmake\ta\tspeech.\tI just\t want\t to\t say\t one\t thing,\t and\t it\t is\t this:\t MY\t HUSBAND\t IS\t A\t FANTASTIC FOX.\u2019\tEveryone\tclapped\tand\tcheered.\tThen\tMr\tFox\thimself\tstood\tup. \u2018This\t delicious\t meal\u2026\u2019\t he\t began,\t then\t he\t stopped.\t In\t the\t silence\t that followed,\the\tlet\tfly\ta\ttremendous\tbelch.\tThere\twas\tlaughter\tand\tmore\tclapping. \u2018This\tdelicious\tmeal,\tmy\tfriends,\u2019\the\twent\ton,\t\u2018is\tby\tcourtesy\tof\tMessrs\tBoggis, Bunce\tand\tBean.\u2019\t(More\tcheering\tand\tlaughter.)\t\u2018And\tI\thope\tyou\thave\tenjoyed it\tas\tmuch\tas\tI\thave.\u2019\tHe\tlet\tfly\tanother\tcolossal\tbelch. \u2018Better\tout\tthan\tin,\u2019\tsaid\tBadger. \u2018Thank\t you,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t grinning\t hugely.\t \u2018But\t now,\t my\t friends,\t let\t us\t be","serious.\tLet\tus\tthink\tof\ttomorrow\tand\tthe\tnext\tday\tand\tthe\tdays\tafter\tthat.\tIf\twe go\tout,\twe\twill\tbe\tkilled.\tRight?\u2019 \u2018Right!\u2019\tthey\tshouted. \u2018We\u2019ll\tbe\tshot\tbefore\twe\u2019ve\tgone\ta\tyard,\u2019\tsaid\tBadger. \u2018\t Ex-actly,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox.\t \u2018But\t who\t wants\t to\t go\t out,\t anyway;\t let\t me\t ask\t you that?\tWe\tare\tall\tdiggers,\tevery\tone\tof\tus.\tWe\thate\tthe\toutside.\tThe\toutside\tis\tfull of\tenemies.\tWe\tonly\tgo\tout\tbecause\twe\thave\tto,\tto\tget\tfood\tfor\tour\tfamilies.\tBut now,\tmy\tfriends,\twe\thave\tan\tentirely\tnew\tset-up.\tWe\thave\ta\tsafe\ttunnel\tleading to\tthree\tof\tthe\tfinest\tstores\tin\tthe\tworld!\u2019 \u2018We\tdo\tindeed!\u2019\tsaid\tBadger.\t\u2018I\u2019ve\tseen\t\u2019em!\u2019 \u2018And\tyou\tknow\twhat\tthis\tmeans?\u2019\tsaid\tMr\tFox.\t\u2018It\tmeans\tthat\tnone\tof\tus\tneed ever\tgo\tout\tinto\tthe\topen\tagain!\u2019 There\twas\ta\tbuzz\tof\texcitement\taround\tthe\ttable. \u2018I\ttherefore\tinvite\tyou\tall,\u2019\tMr\tFox\twent\ton,\t\u2018to\tstay\there\twith\tme\tfor\tever.\u2019 \u2018For\t ever!\u2019\t they\t cried.\t \u2018My\t goodness!\t How\t marvellous!\u2019\t And\t Rabbit\t said\t to Mrs\t Rabbit,\t \u2018My\t dear,\t just\t think!\t We\u2019re\t never\t going\t to\t be\t shot\t at\t again\t in\t our lives!\u2019 \u2018We\t will\t make,\u2019\t said\t Mr\t Fox,\t \u2018a\t little\t underground\t village,\t with\t streets\t and houses\t on\t each\t side\t \u2013\t separate\t houses\t for\t Badgers\t and\t Moles\t and\t Rabbits\t and Weasels\tand\tFoxes.\tAnd\tevery\tday\tI\twill\tgo\tshopping\tfor\tyou\tall.\tAnd\tevery\tday we\twill\teat\tlike\tkings.\u2019 The\tcheering\tthat\tfollowed\tthis\tspeech\twent\ton\tfor\tmany\tminutes.","18 Still\tWaiting Outside\t the\t fox\u2019s\t hole,\t Boggis\t and\t Bunce\t and\t Bean\t sat\t beside\t their\t tents\t with their\t guns\t on\t their\t laps.\t It\t was\t beginning\t to\t rain.\t Water\t was\t trickling\t down\t the necks\tof\tthe\tthree\tmen\tand\tinto\ttheir\tshoes. \u2018He\twon\u2019t\tstay\tdown\tthere\tmuch\tlonger\tnow,\u2019\tBoggis\tsaid. \u2018The\tbrute\tmust\tbe\tfamished,\u2019\tBunce\tsaid. \u2018That\u2019s\t right,\u2019\t Bean\t said.\t \u2018He\u2019ll\t be\t making\t a\t dash\t for\t it\t any\t moment.\t Keep your\tguns\thandy\u2019 They\tsat\tthere\tby\tthe\thole,\twaiting\tfor\tthe\tfox\tto\tcome\tout. And\tso\tfar\tas\tI\tknow,\tthey\tare\tstill\twaiting.","","Table\tof\tContents Cover Title\tPage Copyright\tPage Dedication Contents Fantastic\tMr\tFox 1\tThe\tThree\tFarmers 2\tMr\tFox 3\tThe\tShooting 4\tThe\tTerrible\tShovels 5\tThe\tTerrible\tTractors 6\tThe\tRace 7\t\u2018We\u2019ll\tNever\tLet\tHim\tGo\u2019 8\tThe\tFoxes\tBegin\tto\tStarve 9\tMr\tFox\tHas\ta\tPlan 10\tBoggis's\tChicken\tHouse\tNumber\tOne 11\tA\tSurprise\tfor\tMrs\tFox 12\tBadger 13\tBunce's\tGiant\tStorehouse 14\tBadger\tHas\tDoubts 15\tBean's\tSecret\tCider\tCellar 16\tThe\tWoman 17\tThe\tGreat\tFeast 18\tStill\tWaiting"]
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