# IX: Old Man Coyote Gives Out Dark Hints explained — Green Meadow Stories

> Chapter companion for Green Meadow Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.

## What happens

Old Man Coyote returns to the Old Pasture after leading Bowser the Hound far away and losing him in strange country. Feeling satisfied, he slyly hints to Sammy Jay that Bowser is missing, prompting Sammy to investigate and spread the rumor that Bowser is gone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Old Man Coyote uses sly hints to manipulate Sammy Jay into spreading false rumors about Bowser.

## Character check-ins

### Old Man Coyote

Returns home after leading Bowser astray and slyly drops hints about Bowser's disappearance.

### Bowser the Hound

Mentioned as having been led far away and lost; his absence is the subject of rumor.

### Sammy Jay

Spreads the rumor about Bowser's disappearance after being prompted by Old Man Coyote.

### Farmer Brown

Farmer Brown's boy is seen looking worried and calling for Bowser.

## Key lines

> A little hint dropped there or here, Is like a seed in spring of year; It sprouts and grows, and none may say How big 'twill be some future day.

A small hint can grow into something much larger over time.

_Opening verse foreshadowing the spreading rumor about Bowser._

> I don't think any of us will be bothered by that meddlesome Bowser very soon again.

Old Man Coyote believes Bowser won't trouble them for a while.

_Old Man Coyote's satisfaction after leading Bowser away._

> Old Man Coyote knows something about it, too.

Sammy Jay suspects Old Man Coyote is involved in Bowser's disappearance.

_Sammy Jay's suspicion after observing Farmer Brown's boy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/ix-old-man-coyote-gives-out-dark-hints
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters