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“And where have you been all this time?” asked Faline in astonishment.

“With Him,” Gobo replied, “I’ve been with Him all the time.”

He grew silent and looked at Faline and at Bambi. Their helpless astonishment delighted him. Then he added, “Yes, my dears, I’ve seen a lot more than all of you put together in your old forest.” He sounded somewhat boastful, but they paid no attention to it. They were still too much absorbed in their great surprise.

“Tell us about it,” cried Faline beside herself with joy.

“O,” said Gobo with satisfaction, “I could talk all day about it and never reach the end.”

“Well then, go ahead and talk,” Bambi urged.

Gobo turned to Faline and grew serious. “Is mother still alive?” he asked timidly and softly.

“Yes,” cried Faline gladly. “She’s alive but I haven’t seen her for a long while.”

“I’m going to see her right away,” said Gobo with decision. “Are you coming too?”

They all went.

They did not speak another word the whole way. Bambi and Faline felt Gobo’s impatient