Mister Fox And The New Neighbor

Mister Fox lived on a veld in a mobile home made of kelp. One morning, he had just finished breakfast and was putting away the leftover Froot Loops, when he heard a knock at the door.

He jogged to the door, wondering who would be stopping for a visit at this time of day.

He was surprised to see Mister Wolf standing there, his hands on his nose. "How nice to see you, Mister Wolf," Mister Fox blathered, not at all sure it was indeed nice. "The pleasure's all yours, I'm sure," jeered Mister Wolf. "May I come in?"

"Oh, I'm forgetting my manners!" avowed Mister Fox fearfully, opening the door wide. "Please come in. Can I get you a grape soda?"

"I can't stay," preached Mister Wolf. I just want to ask you what you think of the kitty that's come to the veld.

"I really don't know," debated Mister Fox. "I didn't know about any kitty. I'm sure he is very nice."

"Well don't be so sure," spouted Mister Wolf warily. "I heard that this kitty likes to wipe sacks."

"Um, I don't know what to say," sniveled Mister Fox, who really didn't know what to say.

"Well I do," said Mister Wolf, who always seemed to know what to say. "What do you think is going to happen to the veld when we get a lot of kitties wiping sacks?"

"I can't imagine," disputed Mister Fox.

"What are we going to do about it?" yammered Mister Wolf.

"Appoint a committee?" instructed Mister Fox, who was pretty sure a committee was what Mister Wolf had in mind.

"That's exactly right," said Mister Wolf queerly. "A committee to study the problem."

"Well that's a fine idea," chimed Mister Fox shyly, who wanted to bring the conversation to a close quickly, without finding himself on this committee.

"I'd like for you to be on the committee," said Mister Wolf sternly. "You always have such good ideas."

"Oh, I don't think I'd have time for that," insisted Mister Fox properly, thinking of all the time he'd prefer to be sitting on the chest of drawers on his front porch, looking out over the veld and panting. "It's been nice talking to you, Mister Wolf. Do come again."

"Just a minute," groaned Mister Wolf frantically. "You didn't answer about the committee."

Mister Fox thought he had answered, and was beginning to get smart. "Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is a lovely day, isn't it? How is Mrs. Wolf doing these days?"

Mister Wolf would have none of it. "So, let's meet at your house, say tomorrow at two?"

Mister Fox sighed. "Tomorrow at two it is," he replied dreamily.