Page:Bambi A Life in the Woods (1928).pdf/188

freshed, quieted and strengthened, but racked by a terrific appetite.

The call came again clearly, thin as a bird’s twittering, tender and full of longing: “Come, come!” it said.

Yes, that was her voice. That was Faline. Bambi rushed away so fast that the dry branches barely crackled as he burst through the bushes and the hot green leaves scarcely rustled.

But he had to stop short in the midst of his course, and swerve to one side, for the old stag was standing there, barring his path.

Bambi had no time for anything but love. The old stag was indifferent to him now. He would meet him again somewhere later on. He had no time for old stags now, however noble they might be. He had thoughts for Faline alone. He greeted the stag hastily and tried to hurry by.

“Where are you going?” asked the old stag earnestly.

Bambi was somewhat embarrassed and tried to think of an evasion, but he changed his mind and answered truthfully, “To her.”

“Don’t go,” said the old stag.

For a second a single angry spark flared up in