The Brers were still looking out the window, worrying about Chad.
"I hope Brer Chad's okay. It's really rainin' now" said Brer Rabbit.
"I do not feel good bout diss" said Brer Fox.
"Me neitha. But mos'ly cuz I's burpin' up mud" Brer Bear belched.
Chad then came back looking weak.
"I've returned" he said in a raspy voice.
"Brer Chad, is you alright?" said Brer Bear.
"N-not really. I'm having difficulty breathing" Chad exhaled. "Oh dear. I think I have a touch of pneumonia coming on."
Then he collapsed onto a bed.
"You gon' be alright, Brer Chad. We'll get sum help" said Brer Fox.
"No. I'm afraid it's too late" Chad gasped. "But at least I'll die having been friends with such smashing critters."
Then he laid back and closed his eyes.
The Brers were all terrified.
"Diss is all our fault! We lied!" Brer Rabbit panicked. "We got de poison oak frum slide'n in de mud afta ya told us not to!"
"We's so sorry, pal" said Brer Bear.
"Brer Chad! Is you okay? Can ya hear me?" said Brer Rabbit.
"Cum on, Brer Chad! Say sum'n!" said Brer Fox.
Chad sat up and spoke normally. "Blimey. I tricked a trio of tricksters."
"Wait. You's okay?" said Brer Bear.
"Of course I am" said Chad.
"So... ya faked gettin' pneumonia?" said Brer Fox.
"Had you convinced didn't I?" said Chad. "I didn't even leave the mountain."
"How could ya lie ter us?" said Brer Rabbit.
"You lied to me about sliding in the mud" said Chad.
"How'd ya know?" said Brer Bear.
"You were all quite peeved when I forbade you to do it" Chad laughed. "Also, Brer Bear threw his muddy jacket right outside the Slipping Falls."
"Brer Bear!" said Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.
"Hey. Y'all knew I was a weak link when ya brot me on board" said Brer Bear.
"Perhaps next time, you'll listen to me when I tell you not to do something" said Chad.
"Prob'ly not. But it's good ter have goals" said Brer Fox.
Brer Rabbit scoffed. "Brer Fox means ter say we's sorry fo lyin'."
"An' I's sorry I took a sip o' dat cal'mine lotion" said Brer Bear.
