Page:Bambi A Life in the Woods (1928).pdf/198

“How carelessly he acts,” exclaimed Faline.

“Stupid,” said Bambi, “really stupid. He acts like a little child, as if there were no danger.”

“Let’s go over,” Faline proposed. Her curiosity was getting the better of her.

“All right,” Bambi answered. “Let’s go, I want to have a better look at the fellow.”

They took a few steps and then Faline stopped, “Suppose he wants to fight you,” she said. “He’s strong.”

“Bah,” said Bambi holding his head cocked and putting on a disdainful air, “look at the little antlers he has. Should I be afraid of that? The fellow is fat and sleek enough, but is he strong? I don’t think so. Come along.”

They went on.

The stranger was busy nibbling meadow grass and did not notice them until they were a good way across the meadow. Then he ran forward to meet them. He gave joyful playful skips that made a curiously childish impression. Bambi and Faline stopped, surprised, and waited for him. When he was a few steps off he stood still likewise.

After a while he asked, “Don’t you know me?”