There was a time when all the animals got tired of Brer Rabbit’s tricks. They decided to hold a big meeting to figure out how to stop him. Everyone came—Brer Bear in his big fur coat, Brer Wolf with his loud howl, and even old Simon Swamp Owl, hooting as he arrived. Brer Fox was there too, wearing his black socks, along with a bunch of other animals I don’t need to mention. Some were bow-legged, and some were knock-kneed, but they all agreed to hold a convention to put an end to Brer Rabbit’s pranks.
Brer Fox offered a pot of gold to whoever could catch Brer Rabbit. Brer Buzzard, who was getting old, said he’d give it a try, even though he coughed as he spoke. The other animals thanked him for his offer. Brer Bear, who was sitting in a chair, stood up and suggested they thank Brer Buzzard right then and there instead of waiting for another day.
They argued back and forth about what to do. Some wanted to give Brer Buzzard a crown of flowers if he could take Brer Rabbit up into the sky and drop him halfway. They sent a messenger to ask Brer Rabbit to come to the meeting, but Brer Rabbit, who had a habit of knowing things before they were even said, showed up before they could even send the message.
Brer Rabbit wiggled his nose and winked. “Here’s the bird I want to see!” he said. “Brer Buzzard, I’m trying to learn how to fly!” Of course, Brer Buzzard agreed, and everyone said he was a very accommodating bird.
Brer Buzzard spread his wings, trying to look young even though he was old. He strutted around, dreaming about the pot of gold and what he’d buy with it. But before he knew it, Brer Rabbit jumped right between his wings and said, “Now, hurry up and give me a ride! If you don’t, I’ll give you some trouble when we’re up in the sky!”
The animals grinned as Brer Buzzard took off, making a big fuss as they watched. As for Brer Rabbit, he was having the time of his life. The ride was as easy as eating pie! He held onto Brer Buzzard with his paws, and whenever Brer Buzzard tried to shake him off, Brer Rabbit would scratch and tickle him with his claws, making it impossible for Brer Buzzard to get rid of him.
Brer Rabbit steered Brer Buzzard all over the sky, laughing and hollering so loudly that all the animals below could hear him. You can imagine how they felt, waiting for someone to fall!
When Brer Rabbit finally got tired of the ride, he steered Brer Buzzard straight back to the ground. As soon as they landed, Brer Rabbit went into hiding. When the other animals came to see what happened, Brer Rabbit was nowhere to be found. And that, I reckon, is the end of that adventure!
