Free Outfoxed by Rita Mae Brown

as for fruit. The orchard, though, was laid out in neat rows.
    Inky swooped down the ridge, ran across a downed log over Broad Creek, and was happily in the middle of the orchard in fifteen minutes.
    Raleigh, whom she knew by sight, was in the house. Golliwog, however, was in the orchard.
    â€œI’ll tell the hounds you’re here.”
    â€œThey can’t get out,”
Inky replied.
    â€œThey can make a helluva racket. The humans will get up.”
    â€œI’ll be gone by that time, they’ll be in a bad mood, and you’re the one that has to listen to them,”
Inky sensibly said.
“I only want one apple. I’m not going to poach your game.”
    Golly arched her long eyebrows.
“How can you eat fruit?”
    â€œIt’s good.”
    The cat shook herself.
“Well, get your apple and get out.”
    Inky snatched a small, sweet apple that had just fallen, then darted out of the orchard, passing the kennel on her way home. The hounds were snoring.
    She stopped, apple in her mouth. She put the apple down for a moment and turned. Golly had climbed up into one of the apple trees at the edge of the orchard. She’d heard that the house cat was smart and no friend to foxes. Figuring she was ahead of the game and not wishing further to irritate the calico, Inky picked up the apple. As she walked by the separate runs, Diana, sleeping outside since the rain had stopped, opened one eye, then both eyes, sitting up with a start.
    She opened her mouth, but Inky dropped her apple and quickly pleaded,
“Don’t. It will set everyone crazy.”
    Diana walked to the fence.
“You’re the black fox—“
    â€œYou stuck your nose into my den. I’ve come for an apple and I’ll be on my way. I didn’t even go near the chicken coop. All’s well.”
    â€œYou know if I were out of here I’d chase you to the James River,”
Diana bragged.
    â€œHa. I’d run circles around you and you wouldn’t even know it.”
    Diana cocked her head to one side.
“I love the chase. Do you?”
    â€œFor about fifteen minutes. Then I have better things to do. The reds like it more than we grays, I think.”
    â€œThis is my first season. I guess I’ll find that out.”
Diana blinked and lowered her head to be closer to the fox.
“I’ve been doing okay with cubbing, though, and last year, when I was a puppy, Shaker and Sister walked us every day and sometimes they laid down scent to help us. I think I know what to do if I can concentrate. I lose my concentration sometimes.”
    â€œThis is my first year, too, so I only know what my parents have told me and cubbing . . . I like cubbing. It was funny when you stuck your nose in the den. My brother wanted to bite you. He’s like that.”
Inky giggled.
    â€œGlad he didn’t. My nose is very sensitive.”
    Golly backed down the apple tree. She sauntered toward the kennel.
    â€œI’d better go. She gave me a fair warning.”
    Diana pricked up her ears.
“Golliwog can be very fierce. She scares me.”
    â€œYou know we will all be leaving our dens in a few weeks. Right about the time of opening hunt. There will be good runs then. You’ll have fun. My dad says opening hunt is like a three-ring circus. I’m going to climb a tree and watch.”
    â€œWhere will you go?”
    â€œAlready found my place. On the other side of Broad Creek. There’s so much corn and game, my father said it’s all right to live close. He said if hard times come then I might have to push on.”
    â€œI’m nervous about opening hunt,”
Diana confessed.
    â€œStay away from the people. And if you’re on Target, the huge red with lots of white tip, be real careful. He’s very smart. My father says he’s incredibly smart but cruel. Target will try to lead you to your death. His son, Reynard, can be cruel, too.”
Diana shuddered so Inky