Page 32 - The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit

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The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit
happen but couldn’t say what. I should have told her and the girls before now, and I think Badger should stop this secrecy game.’
‘Charlie, you are a born worrier,’ said Sam, rising from his chair. ‘You are worse than Alfie and I thought he was bad enough. I understand why you told her: we three have an impossible task. I don’t want to upset Badger, but we are not used to keeping secrets from our families.
‘How about we crash in on his next card night? He can’t send us away, and with Cyril Rat and Rowley Weasel present, he may change his mind.’
Charlie nodded. ‘OK. That sounds a good idea. By the way, have you spotted any strangers lately?’
‘Not really, but Alfie has. He’ll tell you about it later. It seems that we have a stray fox wandering around the meadow and there’s also a big bird that likes sitting at the top of the conifer trees.’
***
It was card night at Badger’s. The three animals hurried along the lane chatting and laughing all the way to Badger’s front door. The porch light was on and Charlie tapped on the door. He heard footsteps in the hallway. The door opened a fraction and a black nose emerged.
‘Oh, it’s only you guys. Come in. You must have smelled the tea. Visitors, Badger,’ Cyril Rat called as they moved along the passageway.
‘Sorry to barge in on you like this, Badger but we need to talk with you,’ said Alfie.