# XXXII: Blacky Waits for Reddy explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Blacky the Crow waits for Reddy Fox near the farm with fat hens. Reddy arrives exhausted but suspicious, having been tricked into running a long distance. Blacky reveals himself and confirms the hens are nearby when a rooster crows, satisfying Reddy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Blacky tricks Reddy into running a long distance by pretending to lead him to hens, and Reddy becomes suspicious of being deceived.

## Character check-ins

### Blacky the Crow

Waits for Reddy in a pine tree, watches him with amusement, and reveals the presence of the hens.

### Reddy Fox

Arrives tired and suspicious, having been led far from home by Blacky's trick; becomes alert when a rooster crows.

## Key lines

> Be wise, my friends, and do not fail To trust a dog who wags his tail.

Be cautious and don't always trust a friendly-looking dog.

_Opening proverb warning against misplaced trust._

> You seem to be feeling better, Brother Reddy. You must excuse me for keeping you waiting, but I did not suppose that anyone so weak and feeble as you appeared to be early this morning could possibly get here so soon.

Blacky sarcastically remarks that Reddy seems healthier now, implying he was faking weakness earlier.

_Blacky exposes Reddy's earlier pretense of being weak._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxii-blacky-waits-for-reddy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters