You see , he had so long feared Shadow that he was still afraid of him even though he was so helpless . But little by little Happy Jack grew bolder and came very close . And then he began doing something not at all nice . He began calling Shadow names and making fun of him , and telling him how he was n't afraid of him . It was all very foolish and worse -- it was like hitting a foe who was helpless . Of course Happy Jack hastened to tell everybody he met all about Shadow , so it was n't long before Shadow began to receive many visitors . Whenever Farmer Brown 's boy was not around there was sure to be one or more of the little people who had feared Shadow to taunt him and make fun of him . Somehow it seems as if always it is that way when people get into trouble . You know it is very easy to appear to be bold and brave when there is nothing to be afraid of . Of course that is n't bravery at all , though many seem to think it is . -LSB- Illustration : IT WAS N'T LONG BEFORE SHADOW BEGAN TO RECEIVE MANY VISITORS . -RSB- Now what do you think that right down in their hearts all these little people who came to jeer at Shadow the Weasel hoped they would see ? Why , they hoped they would see Shadow afraid . Yes , Sir , that is just what they hoped . But they did n't . That is where they were disappointed . Not once did Shadow show the least sign of fear . He did n't know what Farmer Brown 's boy would do with him , and he had every reason to fear that if he was not to be kept a prisoner for the rest of his natural life , something dreadful would be the end . But he was too proud and too brave to let any one know that any such fear ever entered his mind . Whatever his faults , Shadow is no coward .
He boldly took bits XXXXX meat which Farmer Brown 's boy brought to him , and not once appeared in the least afraid , so that , much as he disliked him , Farmer Brown 's boy actually had to admire him .
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