Page:Bambi A Life in the Woods (1928).pdf/190

“Listen to me,” the old stag went on.

Again the call came. Bambi felt the ground burning under his feet. “Later,” he pleaded, “I’ll come right back.”

“No,” said the old stag sadly, “you’ll never come back, never again.”

The call came again. “I must go! I must go!” cried Bambi who was nearly out of his wits.

“Then,” the old stag declared in a commanding voice, “we’ll go together.”

“Quickly,” cried Bambi and bounded off.

“No, slowly,” commanded the old stag in a voice that forced Bambi to obey. “Stay in back of me. Move one step at a time.”

The old stag began to move forward. Bambi followed, sighing with impatience.

“Listen,” said the old stag without stopping, “no matter how often that call comes, don’t stir from my side. If it’s Faline, you’ll get to hear her soon enough. But it isn’t Faline. Don’t let yourself be tempted. Everything depends now on whether you trust me or not.”

Bambi did not dare to resist, and surrendered in silence.

The old stag advanced slowly and Bambi fol-