 Story 14 of White Tail the Deer's Adventures by George S. Albert Walsh. This Liberfox recording is in the public domain, recording by phone. Choosing a new leader. The call for a meeting at the council tree was issued to the herd by Father Buck himself. It was his duty to do this, for the law of the herd is that a leader is still in command, and his word must be obeyed, until he has been deposed and another chosen. White Tail had been twice at the council tree before, but never on such a momentous occasion as this. His own initiation into the secrets of the council was nothing compared to the choosing of a new leader. He felt the weight of responsibility that was laid upon him, for the time had come for him to succeed his father, or fail forever. The choosing of a leader did not happen often, once in a lifetime was the average, unless something happened to a leader to cut him down accidentally in the prime of his life, or Puma or Timber pulled him down in the chase, no successor was chosen until he grew too weak and decrepit to lead. The event was, therefore, an important one, and longed to be remembered by those who took part in it. Father Buck had led the herd for so many seasons, that none but the older ones could remember when he was not their leader. In all those days and seasons he had been shrewd, wise and courageous, so that few accidents had happened to any of their dear. His had been the most successful leadership that any could recall. When they assembled at the council tree, Father Buck was there ahead of them, standing lonely and aloof in the place of honour under the big tree. His lordly hand, with its great spread of amplars, was held high, so that some of those who had come to scoff and laugh at him felt a sudden awe. There was none of the meekness and humility of a fallen leader in his attitude. Black Buck and the other older Bucks, who had long years before contended with Father Buck for leadership, were impressed by his looks, and they took their places in the semi-circle in uneasy silence. Suppose Father Buck should challenge again for leadership despite his failure of the previous day. Could any of them win in a mighty battle with him? They too were growing old, and their limbs and eyes were not as strong and sure as when they were young. You know the law of the herd and of my people, Father Buck announced when all the deer were there. Yesterday I failed you. It was the first time since I became your leader. Now the coal is for a new leader, unless I challenge for it again and win it by my might. He swung his antlered head around at a half-circle of older Bucks. There was a menace and challenge in the beautiful eyes. We want a new leader, bellowed Black Buck angrily. You can't lead us again, Father Buck. You have failed in the chase. Twice you failed within a day. A new leader is what we demand. There was a chorus of approvals, and Black Buck gained courage by the backing his words received, but Father Buck cut him off short. Be silent, he said. I am still leader, and my word is law. If I choose to challenge again, the right is mine. It is the law of the herd. Who speaks otherwise? There was no disputing this. The law of the herd was very simple, and it had to be obeyed. Even Black Buck knew this, and if he chose, Father Buck could challenge and prove his right to remain leader if he proved himself better than all others. If you challenge again, began Black Buck. You must do battle with the young Bucks as well as the others. That's the law, isn't it? It is, for Blyde, Father Buck. Young and old may meet the challenger, but I first issue my challenge to the older ones. That is my right. I may be old and weak, my eyes may be growing dim, and my legs less active and sure, but I am still leader, and I issue the first challenge. All you Bucks, more than three seasons old, step forth. It is to you I issued this challenge. Come and accept it. I will fight for the leadership. An uneasy thrill swept the multitude. Each turned to look the other in the eye. Who would accept Father Buck's challenge? Black Buck hesitated, measuring the sturdy limbs of the leader with his own, and comparing the thick-set neck and head of amplars with those of his immediate neighbours. There was not one qualified to enter the lists and hope to carry off the honours. I hear no one shouted Father Buck. The challenge is not accepted. So be it. Then we come to the second challenge. Here, too, the law gives me the right to fight with younger Bucks for leadership. We have many of them. Young, sturdy, bright-eyed offsprings of ours who will someday win honours in the chase. They have eyes as keen as ours were at one time, limbs as straight and strong, minds as active and intelligent. We have taught them the ways of the woods, and they come to the council tree today to prove their rights. He stopped and gazed around at the big assembly. His words and commanding figure had made even Father Buck's worst enemies respectful. The outcome of the meeting was still uncertain and wrapped in mystery. Therefore the leader continued after a pause. It is for them to decide the leadership. I have no wish to challenge them. I could not conquer them if I chose. It shall be a state aside. Who of the younger ones challenges for the high honour of leader to take my place? A thrill of excitement passed around for the crucial moment had now arrived. Father Buck did not intend to fight to retain the leadership. There was an instant pause in which he could have heard a twig snap, and then young black Buck, with head held high, stepped to the centre of the semi-circle. He trotted gracefully around several times, and then halted before Father Buck. I, young black Buck, son of black Buck of dismal swamp, challenge for the leadership. I shall prove my right to it by the one test that is required by the law of the herd, a battle with all comers. It is well, young black Buck, replied Father Buck, looking at the haughty eyes of the challenger. You have been the first to challenge. Is there any other? The aged leader turned his head just a little so that his eyes could rest upon Whitetail, but it did not need this look to inspire his son. Whitetail had already started forward, and with no less pride and dignity than young black Buck, he trotted into the centre of the clearing. I, Whitetail, son of your great leader and of mother dear, accept the challenge. As I have proved greater than young black Buck in the chase, in the long jump, and in other ways, I shall prove to you in combat that I am better fitted to lead the herd than he. The excitement reached a climax when Whitetail had finished his challenge, but Father Buck raised his head again to speak. Who next challenges the law of the herd permits anyone under three seasons? Who speaks? There was no answer, and no one stepped forward. The aged leader cost his eyes slowly around the crowd to make sure he had missed none, and then returned to the two challengers. So be it, he said. The leadership shall be settled between these two, Whitetail and young black Buck. The herd must accept the victor as their leader. In the next story will come the combat. End of Story 14. Story 15 of Whitetail the Dearest Adventures by George S. Albert Walsh. This Liberfox recording is in the public domain. The Great Combat Now the law of the herd says that the challengers for leadership shall fight until one or the other is victor. If it takes hours or days or weeks, it must continue until one is beaten and can no longer fight. The rules are simple. He must prove himself the victor by strength, cunning, intelligence, trickery or any other way. The leader must be supreme so that none again dare challenge his authority. It is always a battle royale in the woods. It never ends in a draw, except in those few sad but rare cases when horns and antlers get interlocked and neither can pull away until both starve. Then a new challenge must be issued, and another leader chosen. Of this both Whitetail and young black Buck knew, and above all they sought to keep their horns and antlers from becoming interlocked. It availed the victor little to conquer if he starved with the vanquished. When they sprang toward each other with lowered heads, they kept a wary eye out for the others twisted antlers. It was a light charge at first, a mere test of skill and strength, but their heads came together with a shock that sounded throughout the woods. Then they withdrew and trotted around each other, waiting for a favourable opening. Both knew that one blow against the side or limbs of the other would cripple his antagonists so the fight would be short. After circling Whitetail three times, young black Buck launched his head straight for the flanks of his enemy, and for a moment it looked as if he would gain a great advantage. But at the critical instant Whitetail turned and met the charge head on. The clash of antlers was terrific, but neither went down. Next they butted in short, sharp swings of the head, slashing, cutting and pounding with older might. It was like a close-in sparring match between two skilled boxers, each waiting for an opening to deliver a fatal blow. But both were as swift in defence as in offence. They withdrew from the conflict and trotted around each other once more. This time Whitetail led the attack. Raring on his hind legs, he brought all the weight of his body in a downward blow that made young black Buck shake and tremble. For a moment neither could recover from the terrible shock so swift and powerful had the blow been. A thrill of excitement went through the assembled herd. Well done! exclaimed father Buck. But not better than my son can do! echoed black Buck. To prove the truth of his father's words, young black Buck turned a complete circle, suddenly reared, and brought his head down in another terrific blow. Whitetail received it, and for a time their horns and antlers became locked. They pulled and jerked, pushed and twisted all over the open space to free their heads. With a sudden snap, the antlers loosened, and they were free once more. The battle grew more vigorous now that the two combatants were warmed to the fray. They began to put more speed in their motions, and more force in their blows. Confident that neither one could take advantage of the other, they fell back to hard hitting. In this strength counted, and it was soon seen that they were pretty evenly matched. Again and again they received an administered punishment. It may have seemed cruel to one not acquainted with the laws of the wild deer, but not so to the spectators, nor to the fighters. The leadership had to be decided in this manner, and either combatant had the right to stop it by yielding to the other. But neither Whitetail nor young black Buck had any intention of doing this. The blood of the older ones was warmed by the sight. Father Buck recalled the day when he fought black Buck for leadership, and he was proud of his son now fighting over again his own battles. Even mother deer, tender-hearted as she was, admired and applauded Whitetail. She knew the battle once decided in his favour would never have to be repeated. Whitetail suddenly delivered a crushing blow upon his enemy's hand that brought him to his knees. For an instant everyone held his breath, but before Whitetail could take advantage of it with another blow, he slipped and nearly fell to his own knees. Young black Buck was up in an instant and made a wild rush for his adversary. Whitetail was prepared and received it steadily. The combat continued for an hour, two hours, three hours, until the flanks of both were covered with foam. And still they butted and bucked, and fought with all their might. Their breath was coming in short gasps, and their eyes flashing the fines. All that mourning the fight continued, but slight intervals for a rest. Then they returned to it, each more determined than ever to defeat his rival. Young black Buck soon showed signs of weakening, and his father, noticing it, called out. Let him rest until another day. They have done enough today. No, no! shouted a dozen voices. The combat must go on, replied father Buck. Not until they both ask for a rest cannot stop. It was renewed with greater vigor. Growing weak by the strain, they fell more often to their knees. The crashing of horns in mighty blows could no longer be resisted so easily. They were longer in recovering from the blows, and slower in getting to their feet. Shall we put it off until another day? asked young black Buck suddenly to his rival. No, it shall be settled today, replied Whitetail, breathing hard. I can fight for weeks yet. I remember your lies about me, young black Buck. I recall your treachery in the woods. I think of how you lost me in dismal swamp, so I might be disgraced. And now you shall be punished for them. I shall fight you until you can't get up again. That will never happen, Whitetail. You can never do that. But this boast was hard to make good. Young black Buck was showing weariness. Again and again he stumbled and fell to his knees. And each time Whitetail sprang at him and delivered a series of mighty blows with his head. Once young black Buck failed to get quickly back to his feet and Whitetail rushed him. With all the speed and power he could summon he delivered a crushing blow and knocked his rival down until all four legs were doubled up under him. Whitetail stood over him. Call me leader, he snorted. Never, grunted young black Buck, and tried to rise. Whitetail knocked him flat again before he could rise. Call me leader, he challenged again. Never came a fainter cry. Again Whitetail flattened him out and issued the challenge in a third time and once more black Buck refused. Four times Whitetail flattened him on the ground and a fifth time young black Buck could not rise. Call me leader. There was no response. Young black Buck was too weak to answer. Whitetail stood over him. Three times young black Buck tried to rise but fell back. He was too weak to respond to the challenge or to get to his feet. The battle was over. Whitetail was victor. Who challenges my leadership now? Whitetail bellowed glaring around and none replied. Their very silence made him their choice. In the next story Whitetail succeeds his father and becomes leader of the herd. End of story 15. Story 16 of Whitetail The Deer's Adventures by George Ethelbert Walsh. This Liberfox recording is in the public domain. Recording by phone. Whitetail made leader of the herd. By defeating young black Buck in combat, Whitetail was, according to the law of the herd, chosen leader until another should grow up and displace him. The decision on the battlefield could not be changed or altered. Even black Buck and his son recognized this and without protest they permitted father Buck to complete the ceremony. The law of the herd has been vindicated. He said after Whitetail had trotted around a vast circle and challenged in vain any other antagonist. Whitetail shall henceforth be your leader. To him obedience shall be given and any who refuses shall be driven into exile. If there is any opposition it must be stated now. Black Buck's wicked eyes flashed angrily. He was doubly disappointed that his son had failed for his own defeat years before came back to torment him. Young black Buck was too exhausted to speak and if there was any protest it had to come from his father. Young black Buck, have you anything to say? continued father Buck, turning to defeat it. Young black Buck shook his head warily. There was no fight left in him. You promised to obey the new leader? Again the weary shaking of the hand followed by his sign as the vanquished dropped down and closed his eyes. And you black Buck of dismal swamp? I will follow and obey the leader as I followed and obey you father Buck was the answer. There was nothing else for me to do. I submit to the law. Father Buck turned to Whitetail whose distended nostrils and flashing eyes indicated that he was still ready to fight for his honour. The eyes of father and son met an instant in an exchange of pride and happiness. It is well done, continued the ex-leader. Whitetail shall henceforth be the head of the herd. I go back to my place among the older Buck's to follow. A certain wistfulness cracked into his voice and eyes. It was hard to yield the proud position to hand over the burdens and glory of leader to another. None could do it without a certain amount of regret. Not even though the successor was his own son. I have led you many, many seasons, continued father Buck. And always with success Puma and Timber have never raided the herd in my time. We have foiled and deceived them, finding new pasture fields where they could not come. We have been safe from loop the lynx and sneaky the grey wolf. I have fought them both, holding them at bay with my mighty horns and once I remember it was a hard fought desperate battle with sneaky. But before he could call his back the herd had escaped and I fled from him on the wind. He paused the moment, swinging his head proudly from side to side. And our pasture fields have always been rich and sufficient. He continued. I have led you where the food was plentiful even in the depths of winter. In snow and rain we have fared well. Our fawns and doves have been safe. Not one has been lost through bad leadership. We have multiplied and grown strong. Today we stand first among the great herds of the Timberland. May we continue to grow and thrive under a new leader. With his farewell address finished father Buck stepped from under the council tree and white tail knowing that he was expected to assume control trotted up to take his place. Some noticed that as he passed father Buck he was taller and stronger in limb than the ex-leader. The tips of his antlers towered a full foot higher than those of father Buck. Even his enemies noticed this and were satisfied that he would prove a good leader. Father Buck has spoken well white tail began as he glanced proudly around at the herd. His leadership has been successful and I shall make it more so. If I fail you may I fall into chase and break my neck. If I show weakness or cowardice may Booma or Timberwolf pull me down and eat out my heart. If I show lack of wisdom and justice may loop to links or sneaky trick me and devour me. I shall be your leader and next to me. He stopped and glanced from one to another. He had the right to choose the one next to him in power one who would lead the herd if he were sick or away. And next to me in authority he added comes young black Buck I have no ill will for him. Last must be forgotten. All I ask from him is loyalty and support. The safety of the herd must always be his first thought. He must give his life if necessary to protect the doze and fawns in my absence. Do you promise this young black Buck? Surprised by this honour thrust so unexpectedly upon him young black Buck opened his weary eyes and jumped to his feet. He trotted into the circle and once more held his head high. White tail he began in a trembling voice. I don't deserve this but if you ask it I shall accept. I pledge loyalty and friendship. I shall make it the law of my life to support your leadership and to do all I can for the herd. Is that enough? It is all I can ask young black Buck answered white tail. Now under the council tree we pledge ourselves to the service of the herd and to each other's support. Let it be understood that when I am away young black Buck shall be in command and it is the duty of everyone to follow and obey him. It is so agreed the council is now finished. The meeting immediately broke up and a deer and Buck mingled together to congratulate the new leaders for the council had ended happily and there was no bitter feeling carried away. The older ones related to the young ones stories of other similar meetings under the council tree and the latter listened eagerly to these tales. Father Buck and mother deer withdrew silently leaving white tail in command with the whole herd crowding around him to flatter and congratulate. There was a new spring in the ex-leader's steps as he trodded away and mother deer walking along by his side noticed it. He do not act like a fallen leader she said smiling. I haven't seen you walk so lightly and happily for a long time. A fallen leader is not always to be pitied my dear Father Buck replied. The greatest thing he can do is to lead his people successfully and the next greatest thing is to rear his son to take his place. Have I not done both? Mother deer nodded and smiled. Father Buck turned to her and affectionately licked her neck and the greatest thing you could do he added is to train your son so that he is worthy to lead. I am proud of white tail and still prouder of you mother deer. He is your son. A little later white tail found him together in the woods talking and smiling and so happy in the possession of each other's love that neither seemed to regret the loss of authority and white tail watching them said to himself the honour of being leader of the herd is not all mine I owe much of it to them they have trained me and taught me and suffered for me that I might succeed I shall never forget that. And to the end of his days which were many white tail never forgot that to have good parents was greater even than to be the leader of the herd. The next story in the Twilight series is entitled Washer de Raccoon End of story 16 Recording by phone End of White Tail the Deer's Adventures by George F. Walsh