midnight
said he to himself . So Hooty the Owl went very early to the Lone Pine and hid among the thick branches where no one could see him . Shadow the Weasel is sly and a thief and lives by his wits . So because he had rather steal than be honest , he too went to the midnight spread with nothing but his appetite . Now Reddy Fox is also a glutton and very , very crafty . When he saw the plump duck brought by Billy Mink , his mouth watered , for Reddy Fox is very , very fond of young spring ducks . So straightway he began to plan how he could get possession of Billy Mink 's duck .