 Story 1 of White-Tailed Deer's Adventures. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by phone. White-Tailed Deer's Adventures by George Ethelbert Walsh. White-Tail Jump's Stepping Stone Broke. White-Tail grew rapidly in size and strength, his long, clean limbs showing tall muscles and great springing power, and his neck grew thick and short, which is well for a buck, who must use it in savage thrusts when the head is a battering ram. His horns were short and bony, but they protruded in front, like knobs against which it would be unpleasant to fold. But his antlers were his pride. They spread out fan shape on his head, crowning it with a glory that made Mother Deer supremely happy. At times it seemed as if the antlers were too heavy for the head and neck, but White-Tail carried them easily, and when he shook them in sport or anger, anyone could see they were just fitted to him. In time he stood as high as Father Buck, and a head taller than Mother Deer. The day the tip of his antlers reached an inch above Father Buck's, he felt a little thrill of pride. To be as big and tall as his father had always been his ambition. But while it pleased Father Buck that his son was growing so big, it made him a little sad. You will soon be ready to take my place, White-Tail, he said. You're growing taller and stronger every day. That may be, Father Buck, he replied. But it will be many a season before I can run as fast and far as you, or show the same strength in a fight. Oh no, there's little chance of my equalling you for many, many seasons. Father Buck merely smiled and nodded his head. I want you to run out with me to Stepping Stone Brook, he said simply. There is something I want to show you. White-Tail was always eager for a run with Father Buck. Nearly every day they went off together to hunt and explore. Father Buck had been teaching him all the ways and tricks of the woods so that his education would be complete. It was a cool, crisp day, and they ran through the woods side by side in long, gentle lobes until they came to Stepping Stone Brook. This was a small stream confined between two ledges of rocks with stones placed in it for stepping across when one didn't want to wet the feet. Frequently the whole herd crossed it using the stones so that not a foot touched the water. When they reached a brook, White-Tail immediately took a long drink of the cooling water for their run had made him hot and thirsty. Father Buck watched him in silence, a very sad expression in his beautiful eyes. There was admiration also, but a little sadness. White-Tail, he said suddenly, I have brought you here to tell you something. Stepping Stone Brook has always been the test for our leaders. Here it is that many a youngster has first earned his right to lead the herd and alas, many an older leader has broken his heart here. White-Tail looked up in surprise and glanced from the speaker to the trickling waters. He was clearly puzzled by the words he had heard. No buck can be leader of the herd unless he can jump across Stepping Stone Brook, clearing it from bank to bank without faltering or stumbling. If he fails he must wait until he can make the leap. Many, many have tried and failed and others. White-Tail's eyes gleamed with anticipation. He liked to take risks and attempt difficult tasks. I see, he said, laughing joyfully. You brought me here to see if I could make the leap. Well, I can do it, I'll show you. I won't disappoint you, Father Buck. I know you won't, White-Tail, was to reply. I shouldn't have brought you here so soon if I thought you would fail, but I had another purpose too. What is it? asked White-Tail. I will tell you later. Now I want to see you take the leap. Years ago, many, many seasons ago, I came here and took it. There under rocks you can see the marks of my leap. It was one of the longest ever made by any of our people. I was naturally proud of it. I shall never forget that day. I think it was the happiest of my life except one. Which other one asked White-Tail? The day I defeated Black Buck in the final struggle for leadership was the reply. It was a battle that lasted for hours and all the herd watched us. We were down and up again and again struggling, fighting and bucking until it seemed as if both of us would die from exhaustion. But I finally won. I got him down on his knees and then rolled him over and stood there until he acknowledged my leadership. That, of course, was the happiest day of my life. White-Tail thrilled at this story and for a moment forgot the thing he was going to do until his father spoke again. Now let me see you take the brook in the jump. White-Tail trotted back on the embankment but he discovered there was little room for a start. It was almost a standing leap. That was why it was so hard. Across on the other side the embankment shelved down gradually to the shore with grass and moss covering the bald face of the rock. Take your time, Father Buck cautioned. Measure the distance well and do not spring unless you're sure of yourself. Many a buck that failed the first time never got his courage up to repeat it. It is the first leap that counts. Reflecting long and earnestly on his father's words White-Tail measured the distance with his eyes and then drew back as far as he could. He gathered his powerful hind legs together, squatted down on them, pulled the rock with his front ones and stood a moment in trembling anticipation. His nostrils dilated, his eyes flushed. Then with a sudden forward spring he darted toward the edge of the rock and when he reached it his hind hooves dug on the rock for a secure purchase. There was a momentary hesitation as if he had decided not to make the attempt. Then his body shot upward and outward across the brook in the prettiest jump that any deer had ever taken. He cleared the brook with its stepping-stones passed the opposite edge and landed all four hooves firmly planted on the upper part of the slope. He had made the jump successfully. Father Buck crossed the stream on the stones and glanced down at his old mark. A spirit of exultation seized him. You have passed my old mark, White-Tail, beaten it by a foot, he said. You will someday be leader, I know. White-Tail was as much interested as his father in his triumph. He examined the mark and then wanted to repeat the jump to see if he could better it. No, caution, Father Buck. Once is sufficient. The second time may not be so good. You have established your mark. We will scratch it here with our hooves as a challenge to all others. Let young black Buck beat it if he can until he does that is your mark. White-Tail accepted his order and made no further attempt to jump the brook. If young black Buck beats it someday then he would have a chance to try it again and if possible score a longer jump. What was your other purpose in bringing me here today? He asked remembering his father's words. Ah, that is the sad part of it, side, Father Buck. But you must know, I will show you. Just what he meant will appear in the next story. End of Story One. Story Two of White-Tail the Deer's Adventures by George S. Albert Walsh. This liberalx recording is in the public domain. Recording by phone. Father Buck's Failure Father Buck walked across the brook again and took his place on the rock from which the jump was made. White-Tail immediately concluded he was going to show him how much farther he could jump when he was a young buck. I know you will beat me, White-Tail said. But if you do, won't you give me another chance? Yes, if such a miracle should happen, was the reply. White-Tail stood eagerly watching while his father crouched as he had for the spring. How noble he looked with his big antlered head with streaks of gray and white hair curling around the roots. White-Tail was proud of him. Suddenly Father Buck rushed forward, hesitated at the brink to get a good purchase with his hose and then up in the air and straight across his body shot. White-Tail watched him with gleaming eyes. Then something happened which startled him. The spring had not been as powerful as he thought for instead of beating White-Tail's mark or reaching his own, Father Buck missed the shore by a foot. His hind legs actually splashed in the water. What happened? exclaimed White-Tail in amazement. Did you slip or—or— No, replied Father Buck sadly. It was as I expected. I am getting old, White-Tail, and I have lost my spring. I have reached the age where I am no longer qualified to lead the herd. If any of the other bucks knew this, they would instantly demand a new leader. It's the law of the herd. But—but, stammered White-Tail, you could do it again. He didn't get a good start. No, it wasn't that, White-Tail. It was my age. I can no longer spring across Stepping-Stone Brook. I am not fit to be the leader of the herd. Father Buck's proud head drooped something like a tear gleamed in his eyes. It was hard to acknowledge that he was failing and that in a few seasons he would be looked upon as a useless old buck who would have to take orders from another much younger than he. But it was the law of the herd and the law of life. I can't believe it, exclaimed White-Tail. I won't believe it. I know you can leap across the brook. Must try it again. What I can do, you can do. Father Buck raised his head and smiled. All the sadness left his eyes and pride and gratefulness took its place. No, White-Tail, he replied. I cannot do it. I put in that jump all the strength I had and I failed. But don't think I'm sad. I'm not. I knew it had to come some day. But I'm glad that my son can take my place. I can be happy yet and Mother Deer will share it with me because you have qualified so well to be our leader. I am thankful for that. But White-Tail was not convinced. It was hard for him to accept the truth. Father Buck was still to him the finest, proudest, wisest and strongest leader he knew and he wanted him to continue so. Some other day when you feel better you will come out here and try to jump again, he said. I know you don't feel well today. Tomorrow you will feel better. Father Buck shook his head slowly. I see you are hard to convince White-Tail. But I will show you in another way. How far is it from here to Puma's hunting ground? Ten miles or more. Then we will go to it. We will race to it at a good speed. I want you to set the pace the swiftest you can. You must run as if Puma or Timber Wolf was on your trail. I will follow. You must neither look to the right or to the left or back of you. Run with all your might. You will follow close behind me? I will follow you. Now White-Tail looked with glee upon his run for he was in a fine condition. His limbs seemed aching for a long hard run and his father wanted to see how quickly he could make the race. He would show him. He wouldn't disappoint him. Shortly afterward he started off taking a broad trail through the woods. He trotted along merrily and soon began running in long leaps and bounds that carried him far and fast. When he came to obstructions in his path he leaped over them as easily as a boy or girl would jump over a log. Faster and faster he flew through the woods. His fine head set well back and his antlers almost resting on his neck. His eyes were kept glued to the trail ahead. He ran so easily and smoothly that it seemed as if he was making no effort. For the first five miles he showed hardly any results of his wild run but in the last half of the distance he began to perspire a little and the white foam settled on his flanks but he never stopped or turned until he reached a boundary line on Puma's hunting ground. Then he halted and whirled around. How was that? he asked. But Father Buck was not there. He was alone. His father was nowhere in sight. Startled and surprised by this he trotted back a few paces and called to him. Then, not finding him he became frightened had something happened to his father. Perhaps Puma had sprung out of the bushes and killed him or Timber Wolf had driven him off the trail and was even now chasing him. Whitetail was so alarmed that he retraced his footsteps calling every little while for Father Buck. It was a dangerous thing to do for in calling he might attract Puma or Timber Wolf but his anxiety for his father made him forget all caution. He found him a long way back on the trail lying in the bushes panting with exhaustion. As soon as he discovered him Whitetail ran up to him with a little bleed of joy. Oh, I thought something terrible had happened to you. He exclaimed. What is it that you stumble? You haven't broken a leg have you? No, Whitetail was the panting reply. Nothing has happened to me. I couldn't keep up with you. I tried my best. I hung on until I fell down with exhaustion. I have run my last race. I did it to show you that I am growing older and that my powers are weakening. You would not be convinced when I failed to leap to Brooke. Now you will have to believe. Then it dawned upon Whitetail that the race to Puma's hunting-ground was simply to show him that his father could no longer keep up with the young bucks of the herd. It was hard for Father Buck thus to show his failing powers but it was better to do it with his son as the only witness than to fail before all the herd. It is my downfall, Whitetail, he added. But I wanted only you as witness. Now you know. My leadership will soon end but when a day comes you must be able to take my place. That will be my satisfaction and your mother's. She knew that a time was approaching and she will not be heavy-heartened. Whitetail was terribly distressed by this news but after a while a fierce joy came to him. I shall prove myself worthy of you, Father Buck, he said. Yes, I will take your place. I will fight for it now that you and Mother Deer want it. Yes, I will fight for the leadership until the last breath. Those are the words I've longed to hear, Whitetail. Now I am contented. We will return to the herd. My day's work is done. As they trotted slowly back to the herd they planned for the future. Both knew that a future race would be between Whitetail and young Black Buck but of this you will read in the next story. End of story two. Story three of Whitetail the Deer's Adventures by George S. Edward Walsh. This Liberfox recording is in the public domain. Young Black Buck's Challenge Young Black Buck had, of course, been in training all this time for it is the law of the deer that none shall aspire for the leadership of a herd until he has learned all the ways of the woods and can outpace and outjump his father and mother. All the laws of the deer are very strict for the safety of all depends upon the leader. Black Buck had taken his son through the woods as Father Buck had taken Whitetail showing him the dangers and pitfalls and instructing him how to avoid them and what to do when danger threatened. He had taken him secretly to Stepping Stone Brook and made him jump it and he had dusted his speed and endurance in a race with himself. Father Buck had no illusions about what Black Buck was doing and he tried to prepare Whitetail to meet Young Black Buck on equal terms. It was like bringing up two boys for a contest in speed, strength, endurance, wisdom and courage. It was a Spartan education but it was necessary for the good of the herd. Then one day the clash came for a preliminary trial of skill. The herd had wandered down from the Timberland to the open woods below where the new buds of the birches offered succulent food. There was no sign of danger in the air and the herd grazed peacefully on soft young twigs and opening buds. When they had wandered to the brink of the canyon that cut through the north woods below Stepping Stone Brook the leaders paused and started to turn the young does and fawns back. It was dangerous to permit them to eat too close to the edge of the precipice. If one should fall over the rocks below would crack every bone in its body. Black Buck suddenly raised his head and then whispered to his son think you can jump the canyon safely? If so it is a good time to challenge Whitetail. We may find out then what he can do. If he barks at it we will know he is timid or under-trained. Young Black Buck walked to the edge and gazed down it and then across it. It was a dangerous leap for if he missed by an inch he would fall to the bottom thirty feet below where the hard rocks would crush him. He sniffed the air and then returned to his father's side. I can do it, he replied. I've made longer jumps. Yes, but if you should fail you would be killed. Make sure of yourself before you sound the challenge. Go below where the canyon is not so steep but just as wide. Practice there alone until you have confidence. If you fail, no harm will be done. You can wait another day. Young Black Buck separated himself from the herd and made his way to a point half a mile down the canyon. On either side here the rocks were covered with moss and turf and the edges dropped only a few feet. If he failed the fall would not hurt him. Unseen by the others he made the attempt and cleared the space successfully in the first leap. Then to make sure he tried it again and again plighting easily on the opposite embankment each time. Gloting with pride and triumph he trotted back to Black Buck and reported I never failed once. If the distance here is no greater across I can do it easily. It is no greater but if anything a few and just less replied Black Buck. If you can do it below you will do it here. Issue the challenge. Young Black Buck trotted away and raising his head in the air peculiar bellowing noise issued from his throat. It was the Buck's challenge to a contest. Every deer knew its meaning and raised the head to see who was calling. White tail feeding some distance off with Mother Deer and Father Buck heard it and instantly turned his head in Young Black Buck's direction. It's Young Black Buck's challenge whispered Father Buck. You must accept it. It may be a challenge to a race or fight whatever it is you must accept it. I'm ready. replied White Tail starting off. Who will leap the canyon with me? bellowed Young Black Buck. I shall lead where none dare follow. None shall then dispute my claim to leadership. Come those who dare. Before White Tail reached the spot the whole herd was crowding around a challenger. They saw a prospect of a free entertainment and they bucked and butted each other to get in front. None of the other Young Buck's had accepted the challenge. One glance at the yawning depth of the canyon had made them withdrawal with sickening fear. It looked much deeper than it was and twice as wide. White Tail pushed his way through the crowds until he stood before Young Black Buck. The sight of him brought a quick remark from the challenger's mouth. You, White Tail, he exclaimed. You wish to accept the challenge? Beware how you speak without thinking. Go and look down a chasm. It means death if you fail. Think twice before you speak. Now when Father Buck heard the nature of the challenge he felt a great fear. He had never shown the canyon to White Tail and he didn't know whether he could leap across it or not. He reproached himself for omitting this part of his training. Mother Deer's heart gave a great throw. If White Tail failed she knew he would be crushed to death on the rocks below. She could not endure such a sight. Better that her son should lose the leadership than be killed. No, no, White Tail, she cried. You must not accept the challenge. You must not. You can't lose you. Black Buck, who had been standing back of the crowd, heard and was greatly pleased for he knew now that Father Buck hadn't told White Tail to jump the canyon. Few had ever taken the leap without practicing first at the place below where there was no danger. It was the fear of not being able to clear the distance that caused a real danger. You must not say that, because White Tail had interrupted Father Buck, frowning at Mother Deer. The honour of our family is at stake. White Tail must accept the challenge. Before Mother Deer could answer this, White Tail had settled the dispute. Whatever you can do, Young Black Buck, he said, I will do. More than that, I will lead. You will take the leap first, Young Black Buck. Then as the challenger, I have the right of choice. You can go first, White Tail. But where I go, you must follow, retorted White Tail. If not, you shall be forever disgraced. If you are afraid, I'll lead, sneered Young Black Buck. No, I'll go first. White Tail didn't even go to the edge of the precipice to look down to measure the distance across. What was the use? He would make the greatest jump of his life. If he failed, he would die knowing he had done his best. What more could he do? He ran back a short distance, and then facing the canyon, he made a swift dash for it. At the brink, he threw all his strength in a mighty leap, and his body shot upward and outward, forming a beautiful curve. He kept his eyes ahead and never once looked down. It was a splendid jump. It carried him clear across the canyon, and landed him safely a yard beyond the opposite edge. He knew by the shouts that he had succeeded, even before his feet touched ground. Then, with a proud toss of his head, he turned and looked at Young Black Buck. It was his turn now. Could he do it? End of Story 3 Story 4 of Whitetail the Deer's Adventures by George F. Walsh This Liberfox According is in the public domain. Father Buck's Decision Young Black Buck was greatly chagrin'd at Whitetail's great jump, for he knew that he had crossed the canyon without any previous training. It chilled that Whitetail had courage as well as strength and skill. It was a triumph for him that none appreciated more than Young Black Buck and his father. Now, Young Black Buck, Whitetail called from the opposite side, follow me, or forever cease challenging. There was nothing for Young Black Buck to do, but take the jump. All eyes were turned on him. For the first time, a feeling of fear possessed him. He had looked down the chasm and knew what waited him if he fell short. Suppose he should make a full step or stumble at the last moment. The fall would be terrible. If not actually killed, he would break his legs at the very least. Black Buck saw the expression of fear in his son's eyes and whispered to him, Don't look below. Keep your eyes up and ahead. Young Black Buck gathered himself for a short run and long jump. He knew that he had to take it and that he had to succeed. He ran with all his might and then sprang forward in a quick spring. If it hadn't been for his nervousness, he certainly would have cleared the chasm without accident. The aggrin, anger and fear had possession of him and they were responsible for a misstep at the last moment. When his body was launched through the air, he knew he hadn't put in the jump all the power he had. Then too the fear of a failure alarmed him. He glanced down and saw the terrible chasm yawning below to receive him. This gave his body a side lurch and instead of clearing the chasm in a beautiful jump, his forefeet touched the opposite side only a foot from the edge and his hind hoofs missed it by an inch. No one could see the accident so quickly or plainly as white tail who stood within a few feet of him. He saw that Young Black Buck was going to miss before his front hoofs touched the embankment. Now the thought of his missing the rock and falling to the bottom of the chasm in a broken heap horrified White Tail so that he forgot all his triumph and desire to win. His greatest desire was to save Young Black Buck from an awful death. Before he reached the embankment White Tail jumped to the edge and quick as a wink stretched forth his head caught Young Black Buck by a prong of his antlers. He got a good hold with his teeth and then as the leaping buck's hind feet slipped down and his body began to sway backward White Tail braced his feet and jerked backward with all his strength. It was enough to overcome the balance of the frightened jumper. Instead of falling backward into the chasm he stumbled forward and then catching his hind hoofs on the edge he managed to climb up to embankment. It was all done so quickly and skillfully the temperatures on the opposite bank hardly knew what had happened. They knew in some way that Young Black Buck had stumbled and nearly fallen in the chasm. They had also seen White Tail reach forward and grab or push him. They couldn't very well say just what he did. But Black Buck seeing that his son had failed and angry at the thought of White Tail's triumph was quick to see a way to change the feet of a triumph. Before his son could recover his breath and stop his trembling Black Buck roared out with all his might foul that was a foul White Tail got in the way and tried to throw my son off the precipice. No, no several shouted not that White Tail wouldn't do that. Ask my son if what I say isn't true No, rumbled Black Buck. Young Black Buck was almost as quick as his father to see the chance of redeeming himself in the eyes of the whole herd and he shook his hand with delight. His fear and trembling all left him. Speak, Young Black Buck shouted his father Did White Tail interfere with you? Speak before it is too late. Young Black Buck was ready with his answer Yes, he stood in my way he replied and when I reached the edge he bit at me and tried to push me off the edge White Tail started in surprise and horror at this accusation for he was too stunned to speak then when he realized what the charge meant he said You know I didn't do that, Young Black Buck if I hadn't grabbed your antlers you would have fallen over and had been crushed to death Oh, how could you say such a thing? That's a fine story to tell Jared Young Black Buck Who do you think will believe it? You wanted to kill me so you could have no challenger for the leadership Well, I'm alive and I'll beat you to it yet. Now the uproar on the other side was intense Some believed that White Tail had actually tried to push his rival down the chasm and others were equally certain that the son of Father Buck could never be guilty of such a crime The commotion was approaching the proportions of a riot when Father Buck brought silence with a roar of authority Be quiet he bellowed We must settle this dispute right if my son was guilty of such a crime I would be the first to disown him and drive him from the herd in disgrace but if he is innocent I will back him up with all my might He turned fiercely on Black Buck as he said this his eyes flashing and his antlers bobbing threateningly Black Buck was not anxious to get in a fight with the leader and he backed away grumbling I will protect my son too he breathes angrily if he is right That is your duty Lord Father Buck and it is your duty to renounce him if he is in the wrong Will you do that also? Black Buck made some inaudible reply and backed still further away from the flashing eyes Who saw white tail push young Black Buck off the edge asked Father Buck addressing the crowd A dozen or more voices answered in the affirmative without changing the expression of his face Father Buck then added Who saw white tail grab young Black Buck and try to save him from a fall An equal number of voices responded promptly to make sure Father Buck counted them and then counted those who had answered in favour of young Black Buck They were the same 20 yeas and 20 nose That makes it hard for me to decide murmured Father Buck A chai is never a pleasant vote for a leader for he must decide then one way or the other himself in this case it's doubly hard for me He stopped and looked at the herd and then added You know me and you know I would be the last to decide in favour of my son if I thought he was wrong Therefore in giving my decision I know you will think I'm doing justice I say to you that I saw Whitetail help young Black Buck at the slope Had it not been for his help one of our number would be down below there dead There was a silence and a shutter passed through the whole herd Father Buck's decision did not affect him so much as the thought of what might have happened They were glad that it had ended this way with no bones broken Whitetail was exonerated in their eyes End of story 4 Story 5 of Whitetail the Deer's Adventures by George Ethelward Walsh This Liberfox recording is in a public domain Young Black Buck's challenge to erase Whitetail was so angry at young Black Buck for accusing him falsely that for a moment after Father Buck's decision he couldn't find a way to speak He simply glared at young Black Buck and for the first time there came into his mind a desire to punish his accuser He knew then that he would have to fight his antagonist someday and a battle would be a long and hard one with neither side giving any terms When the excitement had quieted a little he turned to young Black Buck and said You know that you spoke falsely and knowing it my conscience should trouble you Young Black Buck grinned but nobody else knows it he replied therefore my conscience don't trouble me much Someday, added Whitetail you will pay for this we want no deceiver as the leader of the herd I'll battle you for the position Oh, sneered the other that's a pretty speech Whitetail but we can't battle for the leadership until father Buck has failed in the chase or hunt he's leader until then but the day will come when it will be between you and me and then replied young Black Buck, eerily I'll see that you get the worst licking you ever had No, I think it will be the other way Whitetail crossed the chasm again and joined the herd there were plenty to sympathise with him and they expressed themselves frankly but there were not lacking others who admired young Black Buck and felt that he had been unjustly accused Mother Deer whispered in her son's ears never mind Whitetail we have to learn to take such things in life unselfishly write always triumphs in the end don't let it worry you it doesn't worry me Mother Deer but it makes me feel angry further conversation was stopped by father Buck announcing that the herd would go to the lower timberland to graze on the succulent grass that bordered Puma's hunting ground the grass was in the rich tender stage and the deer enjoyed it as a sort of luxury the fact that Puma had selected this spot as his special hunting ground could not keep the deer away and father Buck's announcement was hailed with delight we must keep together he cautioned with the those and thorns inside and the bucks outside for Puma may be abroad although he's not to be feared so much in the daytime if he's asleep in his lair we won't disturb him the spice of danger added to the zest of the adventure the grass always had a much sweeter taste and a richer flavour when it was gathered right under the nose of Puma the young bucks kicked up their heels and ran ahead while they were not anxious to draw Puma from his lair they wanted to show to the fawns and doves that they were unafraid if Puma comes for me I'll show him a clean pair of heels boasted one and I, said another will give him a race that he'll never forget little did they know of what they were boasting Puma, the mountain lion never laid any great claim to swift long distance running he knew he was no match for the fleet deer in disrespect but he had ways and tricks of his own his favourite method was to hide among the thick foliage of the trees and when a buck or doe passed underneath the spring upon its back once caught in this way no deer had a chance to escape all the speed in the world would not avail the poor creature then Puma was a terrible hunter at night he roamed about dark woods and sent it out his sleeping prey and with one blow from his great paw he could break the back of a buck or crush the skull of a smaller animal he could climb a tree like a cat and crouch flat in the bushes out of sight to spring up as swiftly as a deer leaping a chasm all the older deer knew the ways of Puma some from terrifying experiences and others only from hearsay ever since father buck had been leader of the herd they had avoided Puma and not one had fallen a prey to his voracious appetite perhaps they didn't fully appreciate this for a continued safety from danger often makes us think there is no real danger after all so when he proposed leading the herd down to the succulent grass bordering the woods where Puma hunted he took great precaution to avoid any risk several of the older bucks were sent ahead scouting and they returned at intervals to report father buck led them down to the broad shallow stream that he and whitetail had crossed that day on their return from Puma's hunting ground but instead of wading down the river a short distance the leader kept them wading until they had skirted the hunting ground of timber wolf he had almost as much fear of timber as of Puma they kept to the left bank of the stream and then crossed the shallow where the grass and raids grew in such dense masses they began feeding at once but not until bucks had been sent inland to scout for Puma they returned to report that Puma was not abroad they had crossed and recrossed his old trails but there was no fresh scent in the air he's probably sleeping after a good night of hunting black buck remarked I don't think there's any danger but the leader was taking no chances he posted scouts in the woods and on high rocks where they could watch listen and smell the rest of the herd enjoyed their feast of rich grass and reeds they munched greedily at them their eyes filled with happiness and making as little noise as possible now young black buck should have been satisfied to eat and enjoy himself with the rest but after he had filled his stomach he began to feel so much better that he trotted around from one group to another in a most restless manner seeing white tail feeding alone a sudden desire to get even with him for the morning's work seized him oh white tail he called I challenge you to a race we'll scare a Puma maybe but that will give us a good chance to show him how little we are afraid of him is it wise to arouse him asked white tail wise sniffed young black buck must you ask that question whenever you want to do something but if you're afraid to race me through this hunting ground well and good I'll go alone I'm not afraid replied white tail and I will accept your challenge if the older ones say it is all right young black buck reported the matter to the leaders and after a consultation father buck announced we're ready to go home and if Puma is aroused we'll flee perhaps it's a good plan to give young black buck and white tail a chance to see Puma they will be on the lookout for him and when he appears they can run home yes they must learn someday to meet him and it is well that it should be today with the consent of the leader of the herd the two young bucks started off into the lower woods to make a complete circuit of Puma's hunting ground it was a long wild run and they would need all their strengths and powers father buck started them off and they disappeared in the woods like two arrows shot from a bow what happened to them in the race will be told in the next story end of story 5 story 6 of white tail the deer's adventures by George Ethelbert Walsh this Liberfox recording is in the public domain Downy the Woodpecker brings startling news swift as the wind and almost as silently white tail and young black buck swept through the low timberland skirting the edge of Puma's hunting ground so they could circuit it and return to the starting point like two good long distance runners neither made an effort to take the lead at first it was to be a test of endurance rather than of short sprinting silently side by side they ran at first leaping over fallen logs and trees in long graceful jumps and spurting in sharp bursts of speed where the trail was broad and open it was not until they had covered the first mile that first one and then the other attempted to take the lead young black buck shot ahead first taking advantage of an open trail but a moment later white tail leaped over a clumb of bushes and rushed ahead young black buck pushed in the lead again at the first opportunity neither took the short spurts seriously for they indicated nothing not until they had covered the second mile that they began to let out in real earnestness black buck then to see whether white tail was beginning to show any strain rushed ahead and spread himself out in a long steady loop white tail kept close behind him until his speed began to slacken and then to show that he was still fresh and strong he dashed ahead and took the lead then followed another mile of hard running both bucks were beginning to perspire freely now and the white lather showed on their flanks but neither one was winded or anywhere near the end of their strength white tail felt that he could keep up the gate nearly all day he felt singularly fresh and strong they had made half the circuit before either could try to out-distance the other the rest of the race would decide which was the champion either they had to run abreast of each other until the end or one had to take the lead suddenly to white tail surprise young black buck slowed down and said where on even terms up to this point still suppose we rest a while and then go on the woods are so beautiful here and I want to see what kind of place puma lives in he's around here somewhere I suppose yes I came here one day with father buck and he showed me where puma was I smelled him and heard him how exciting exclaimed young black buck I wonder if we'll hear and smell him today I want to know what he looks like I'm not so interested in that laughed white tail I don't want to get so close to him that he can see me no but we might see him and then still silently away without being caught white tail wasn't so sure of that he had a wholesome dread of puma's hunting powers we might stumble upon him and he sees us first he added very sly and can hide so no one can see him but we could smell him first not if we were on the wrong side of the wind have you noticed which way the wind is blowing why yes from the right then we don't have to fear anything on that side we must keep our eyes and ears open on the left it's my opinion said young black buck slowly that puma's greatly overrated why he hasn't killed one of the herd as long as anyone can remember no but that's because father buck has been such a wise leader young black buck sniffed in scorn I don't know that he's been any better or wiser than other leaders was the retort if my father had been leader puma or timber wolf wouldn't have caught a deer they wouldn't have dared they're all afraid of him whitetail felt that this boasting wouldn't get them anywhere and would in the end lead to unpleasant words but he knew that if puma or timber wolf heard it they would laugh in glee if you're rested suppose we go back whitetail said we're going to make quicker time back I'm going to run my best too, I'm going to beat you I'm sorry you got tired out and had to rest well, I'm ready whitetail could afford a smile at this remark for young black buck had made a request to stop for a short time tired out why he felt as fresh and strong as when they started he would punish young black buck by making his defeat as unpleasant as he could but before either one could start for the return trip there was a noise among the leaves of this Bruce tree under which they were standing and with visions of puma crouching among the branches ready to drop down upon them their hearts gave a great bound and almost stood still in another moment they would have been off like a shock but there was a flutter of wings and Downey the woodpecker who had made the noise with his beak spoke listen he called listen whitetail and you too young black buck both of the runners stopped and looked up among the branches of the trees where Downey was sitting puma's on your trail Downey added he caught your wind way back there and he's been trailing you ever since I saw him and hurried to tell you thank you Downey replied whitetail it's time we were off behind I didn't say he was behind you replied Downey he was on your trail but puma's too wise to follow you that way you don't know him when he picked up your trail he followed you by the wind while you were running around in a circle he's been cutting across it he's between you and the herd in that case said young black buck in a frightened voice we'll take a wide circuit and he'll miss us again Downey shook his head you were young he said and don't know how puma hunts he hunts with his mate and she'll be off to the right to head you off then what can we do asked young black buck his leg shaking and his voice trembling I really don't know what to say I came here to tell you of your danger I can't tell you what to do couldn't we go back a little on our track and then get around puma and his mate asked whitetail struggling hard to keep cool I'm afraid if he do that you'll run into timber wolf and his family puma gave him the alarm and he's out with his whole pack to cut you off in that direction by this time young black buck was so excited and frightened that he hardly knew what to do to be cornered by puma and timber wolf with all the yelping pack was a terrible thing and there seemed no way of escape a sudden rustling in the bushes made him jump nearly five feet away even whitetail leaped to one side but it wasn't puma or timber wolf it was washer to raccoon and what washer had to propose will appear in the next story washer was considered a very wise shrewd animal and perhaps he had a way for them to escape end of story six story seven of whitetail the dears adventures by george at the word wolf this libra fox recording is in the public domain a race with puma and timber washer the raccoon poked his nose out of the bushes and looked blinkingly at whitetail and young black buck while downy the woodpecker gazed down at all three with an expression in his eyes that plainly said well I'm glad I've got wings and can fly away if I want to goodness granted whitetail he frightened the life out of his washer he thought you were puma or timber creeping upon us well I've been mistaken for groundy and billy mink but never for puma or timber before replied washer it must be that you're excited or have a bad conscience I wonder which it is not a letter I hope answered whitetail but as for being excited I think we have good reason for that downy just brought his word that puma and timber but their families are on our trail and have us surrounded washer sat up on his hind legs and leaned against the tree his shrewd golden eyes flashed brightly in the sunshine and his double row of white teeth glistened every time he opened his mouth if that's the case he said I think it's about time I took to my hole I have no love or respect for puma and timber now here have we said young black buck but we have no hole to run in what are we going to do if you only had wings I could answer that question interrupted downy I know what I'd do and if you had a hole you could crawl in I could advise you added washer of course this brought no relief to either whitetails harassed minds they weren't interested in what downy or washer would do they wanted to know what they could do to escape the terrible trap suddenly to make their situation more desperate a distant howl rend the air it was timber wolf calling to the pack almost instantly there was an answering cry on the left then another in front and a third on the right it's the pack's hunting cry exclaimed washer they're calling to each other as they close in yes they've picked up your scent whitetail young black buck got so frightened and excited that he leaped around in a circle uttering plaintive little whimpers I'm going to run he said even if I do nothing but go around and around in circles I can't stand still you'd better save your strength young black buck advised whitetail you may need all of it for the race for it is clear to me that we must trust to our heels to beat them what's that exclaimed young black buck as a snarl in the distance alarmed them it's puma and his mate creeping up from this direction said whitetail more alarmed than ever with puma and his mate in the rear and timbers pack in front and on either side what chance do we have wait a minute exclaimed washer quietly I think I can suggest a way my hole is right on the edge of black ravine I built a dare so I could watch the sun rise every morning it's a beautiful place even if I do say so whitetail and young black buck turned to him and waited impatiently for him to proceed washer was aggravatingly slow they were not a bit interested in the beautiful view he had from his hole black ravine drops down 50 feet and if I should ever forget myself and fall over the edge it would be the last of me washer continued deliberately picking his teeth with a twig yes I told mrs. washer several times it was a beautiful but dangerous spot to bring up our children they might tumble into the ravine never mind a ravine washer interrupted whitetail he said you had a way for us to escape please tell us what it is I was coming to that you're very impatient whitetail and a ravine has a good deal to deal with my plan it's 20 feet across from side to side can you jump 20 feet why I don't know but maybe if alright then washer interrupted I'll show you the way to black ravine in front of my house if puma or timber pursue you all you got to do is leap across the ravine timber couldn't follow you and I don't think puma can jump that far if he couldn't you'd have a big head start puma and timber would have to go a mile down the ravine before they could cross it's wider in front of my house than at the ends washer's plan dawned upon their minds in an instant and both bucks sprang up as if to start for black ravine at once well do it exclaimed whitetail I'll make the jump if I fall in the ravine it's better that way than to be pulled down by puma or timber it's much better not to fall at all was washer's quiet remark but now don't get excited or you'll jump from the frying pan into the fire how do you know if one of timber's family isn't watching the ravine he may be the suggestion dashed their hopes and sent the cold chills down their backs no one could tell where the wolves and puma's were scattered they were closing in upon them on all sides they might surprise the cornered bucks before ever they could reach black ravine the only way I can suggest added washer is for downy to fly ahead and report to us where they're hiding you could do that downy couldn't you why certainly might be glad to then I wouldn't waste any time downy immediately flew away in the direction of black ravine while whitetail and young black buck waited impatiently for his return it seemed a long long time to them and every few moments they could hear the claw of timber and this pack they were drawing nearer and nearer until finally it seemed as if one was in the bushes not a dozen rods away downy came back finally and said it's all right but you must hurry they're closing in so that if you don't reach black ravine soon they'll head you off this way follow me he flew off to the right but swift as he was whitetail and young buck were hardly a yard behind him they fairly flew across the ground leaping low bushes and trees in their flight washer being much slower decided not to follow he knew another hole where you could hide until the danger was over here they come screamed downy suddenly now run for your lives there's black ravine ahead at the same instant timber and this pack broke cover and started for the fleeing bucks in the open close on their right was puma and his mate they set up a yelping and howling that made the blood of the deer curdle it had to be a short race for other wolves ahead threatened to cut them off but there was black ravine neither whitetail nor young black buck knew how wide it was or whether they could cross it but when they reached the edge they shot out in one mighty leap and landed on the opposite side could puma follow? in the next story you will find out what he did end of story 7 story 8 of whitetail the deer's adventures by George Ethelbrode Walsh this libra fox recording is in a public domain mrs puma and timber fight the leap across black ravine carried whitetail and young black buck away from the yapping jaws of timber wolf and this pack not one of them dared to follow they could no more do it than fly they stopped at the edge and howled woefully as they saw their prey escape but not puma the mountain lion he was a wonderful jumper himself and the sight of the escaping bucks made him wild with rage besides he was terribly hungry and he was disappointed in not catching at least one of the bucks when he came to the edge of the ravine he hesitated a minute snarling, spitting and whisking his long tail he was so angry that he knocked one of the wolves over when he got in his way for a moment there was a savage outcry the timber threatened to pounce upon puma's back but the fear of his powerful claws dissuaded him get away from the edge you snarling, sniveling sons of cowards puma growled when did a wolf ever bring down a buck in fair play you howl and snap and make a great fuss but you're cowards at heart let me show you what a mountain lion back from the edge I say the wolves obeyed but not without much snapping of teeth and angry growls puma walked back a few paces and then turned to face the cliff then with a sudden run and spring he took the long leap ordinarily puma would have hesitated a long time before attempting to jump across black ravine but he was wild with anger and disappointment besides he knew timber and his pack were watching him as well as his own mate he was puffed up with pride to show what he could do but alas pride had its downfall puma had miscalculated the distance he realised this before he was half a cross and to make up for it he began squirming and jerking in mid-air as if that would help him it did in a way for a cat like he had the wonderful facility of actually jumping and leaping forward with his feet off the ground but it was of no avail he still lacked sufficient force to carry him to the other side he stretched one forepaw far out hoping to grasp the edge and it did touch the rock but it only scratched and scraped it when he found himself falling downward he thrust out the other foreleg and clawed at the steep side of the cliff but there was nothing for him to hold to the rocks were so hard that his claws could get no purchase down he went another yard the edge of the cliff was over his head and fifty feet below was the hard bottom of the ravine a fall there would surely dash out his brains and break every bone in his body twenty feet down doubling, whirling and screaming Puma saw a small stunted tree growing from a cleft in the side he made one mighty lunge for this and caught it he landed with a thud against it and clung to its branches for dear life he was so shaken by the fall that for a moment he could do nothing but blink and gasp the tree had scratched him in a dozen places and the hard rocks bruised and hurt his body one pawl was bleeding and the other was so sore that he held it up in the air over his head some twenty feet was the top of the cliff with its sides so steep that no Puma could hope to crawl up them below was the bottom which seemed equally difficult to reach opposite looking down at him were timber and his family what a lucky fall for you Puma chaired timber and what a poor jump white hill and young buck cleared it easily and you couldn't cross it now braggart what are you going to do to get out you can hang there and rot before I'll help you you call my tribe cowards then I call you and yours dirty braggarts you couldn't a rumbling growl at timber's left caused him to turn suddenly Puma's mate was facing him with her eyes spitting fire and her great right claw raised to strike son of a coward she thundered how dare you speak that way to one of my family Puma may be caught down there but you have me to reckon with timber immediately saw his mistake and forgotten mrs. Puma who was almost as ferocious as Puma she was smaller but fully as quick and lithe timber's manners immediately changed and he became as meek and thawning as he was before threatening and defiant I didn't refer to you mrs. Puma he whined of course I know you are much stronger and quicker than Puma and lie you snivelling her interrupted mrs. Puma for the tale of a deer I'd knock you in the ravine for my mate to eat for his supper timber slinked back from the edge he knew that one blow from that appraised paw would send him hurtling through space but once back from the edge his manner changed again mrs. Puma stood near the edge now and surrounding her was the half circle of wolves all of timber's packet arrived and they were as thirsty as he for blood they were ten to one it flashed through timber's mind that this was a good time to settle an old score with Puma he had never taken kindly to Puma's lordly ways in dividing the hunting ground between them Puma had always claimed more than a share of the prey sometimes he had eaten three quarters and only turned over a small portion to timber's family and they were a hungry family half starved at times when the hunting was poor all his old grievances came back to him and he felt that here was a chance to settle the dispute for good Puma was caught in the ravine where he might starve and die why not then push mrs. Puma after him oh mrs. Puma he said you flatter me my family aren't such cowards as you think just to show you turn around and see them they're all here the whole pack mrs. Puma were all about and sold a semi-circle of snarling snapping wolves then for the first time in her life she felt afraid she might kill two or three of timber's family before they conquered her so she could drive her over the cliff but it was no time to show fear that would be the signal for the wolves to close in on her I see them the whole pack she snarled and every one of them is a coward not one dare touch me unless the others push him within reach of my claws see the whole pack jumps and screams when I strike with a vicious drive of her paw she made those nearest leap back in fear she followed this up with another drive timber saw that unless he acted at once his family would become panic-stricken raising himself on his hind feet ready for a spring he opened his mouth and uttered the hunting cry of the pack then at a given signal they attacked all at once they darted forward with yelps of defiance timber leading but what a surprise awaited them Mrs. Puma had guessed their actions and with a mighty spring in the air she leaped clear over the backs of the encircling crowd it was a wonderful spring and nothing but fear could have made her do it it landed her safely back of the wolves then before they could turn and charge again she took another spring with a tree some other day thou dog of a coward Mrs. Puma said I'll sleep here until you get tired of waiting having got Mrs. Puma out of trouble we will follow Whitetail in the next story End of Story 8 Story 9 of Whitetail the Deer's Adventures by George Ethelbert Walsh this Liberfox recording is in the public domain recording by phone young black buck has an accident it is hard work to starve out Puma the mountain lion when treed and perhaps harder yet to imprison him on the side of a steep cliff timber wolf knew this and after the escape of Mrs. Puma up the tree he grew uneasy and decided that it was safer for him to lead the pack back to their own hunting ground when they had gone Mrs. Puma leaped down to the ground and ran to the edge of the ravine to see what had become of her mate she was not greatly surprised when she saw that he had slowly made his way to the bottom of the chasm and was looking up to see where she was with a little cry of joy she trotted down to the end of the ravine to rejoin him meanwhile of course Whitetail and young black buck were running like the wind anxious to get as far away from their pursuers as they could they didn't know what had happened at black ravine and they couldn't stop to investigate the fear that the wolves and mountain lions might still be on their trail kept them going until they were nearly exhausted one mile, two miles three miles they ran without stopping or looking around fear lending speed to their legs something happened which brought them to a sudden halt young black buck stumbled and plunged head first to the ground when he tried to get up again he groaned with pain and held a foreleg in the air as if it hurt him oh I've broken my leg he cried I can't run another step they'll catch me now, I know I can't escape them Whitetail whose momentum had carried him some distance ahead stopped and turned around let me see it he said sniffing at the leg after quickly examining it he added no it isn't broken only sprained can't you stand on it no not for an instant oh what will become of me hark isn't that too my growling no replied Whitetail listening with his head flung back and his nose in the air then it's timber calling I'm sure it is Whitetail listened again he was trembling himself for the fright and exhausting run had made him very nervous it's something but I don't think it's timber wolf he hasn't had time to run around the end of black ravine but he'll be here soon wind young black buck then we must be going we can't stay here you must run on three legs you can do it not so fast as timber wolf or puma can run on four legs oh you won't leave me Whitetail will you I shall die of fear if you do I've always been your friend I won't leave you yet replied Whitetail lie down in the bushes and I will run back and see if I can find timber puma if they're coming don't leave me interrupted young black buck just then when Whitetail was uncertain what to do and so nervous that he couldn't stand still Downey the woodpecker appeared he fluttered in a tree just as if he had been there waiting for them all the time oh Downey cried Whitetail where are they are they on our trail yet did they get across black ravine Downey finished hauling a grub out of its hole in the tree bark before he answered no he then said they didn't get across black ravine but puma got in it and he's there now screaming with rage he jumped and fell in it asked young black buck yes not at Downey he tried to show timbers family what he could do for himself he missed the opposite side by a few inches and if it hadn't been for a small tree growing on the rocks he would have fallen to the bottom and been killed I wish he had said young black buck well he wasn't added Downey so it's no good wishing for what didn't happen he'll roll down and get on his feet again it's pretty hard to kill puma then his pack do asked white tail they did just what you might expect of them they jeered and laughed at puma and then mrs puma interfered I thought that timber and puma were friends said white tail such selfish friendship as they had for each other doesn't amount to much it only takes a little for them to fall out and begin fighting each other and that's just what happened timber thought it was a good time to attack mrs puma and his whole pack jumped at her and what happened then breathlessly asked white tail mrs puma jumped too and as she could jump faster and farther than timber she got away and ran up a tree there I left her with the wolves howling underneath I think then they'll give up the chase remarked white tail it's very fortunate for us for young black buck has sprained his leg and will have to limp to rest away I can't limp far on three legs wind young black buck and we are far away from the herd aren't we downy yes so many miles I can't count them you've been running away from where you started and it will take you a long long time to get home white tail and young black buck were greatly distressed by this information for night was coming on and to be called after dark away from the herd in the heart of a strange woods was the most unpleasant outlook white tail might have made it by hard running but young black buck could never do it and white tail wasn't going to leave him alone in the woods he was too loyal for that there doesn't seem to be any choice in the matter white tail said we've got to stay here and make the best of it but you could get home alone white tail if you started right away suggested downy it will be moonlight early in the evening and you can find your way once you reach the shallow stream yes I know the way but I couldn't leave young black buck behind no I couldn't think of it we'll find a resting place among the bushes and stay here until morning then maybe his leg will be better downy knotted his hand and began pecking away at the bark of the tree for another grub young black buck looked thankfully at the speaker but said nothing I'm afraid I'll have to leave you soon downy remarked after a while I'm a long distance from my home and I don't see that I can help you any by staying no smiled white tail except to give us warning of danger when it comes there's no danger now unless he stopped and listened attentively unless what downy I don't know that I should say it for I don't want to frighten you but there are man hunters in this wood they've pitched a camp a few miles back of here but if they haven't dogs with them they won't find you just keep quiet here in the bushes until morning we certainly will replied white tail I dread the man hunters as much as Puma and Timber especially if they have dogs and all through the night he thought and dreamt of the man hunters but nothing happened until morning and then the distance being of a dog startled him end of story nine story ten of white tail the deer's adventures by George Ethelbert Walsh this Liberfox recording is in a public domain recording by phone white tails magnanimous act white tail could not mistake the sound of the dogs in the distance neither could young black bug who was instantly on his feet the dread sound had more to do in curing the sprained foot than the night's rest and he followed white tail trotting around and sniffing the air in every direction are they coming this way young black bug asked it's hard to tell replied white tail I haven't picked up their scent yet but I don't need to I hear them we must be going before they find us is your lame leg strong enough yes it's alright again a little lame but not much which way shall we go and consciously young black bug had been depending upon white tail ever since danger first threatened them and this was a sure sign that he recognized qualities of leadership in his rival that he did not possess and white tail had accepted it without giving it much thought I think he said finally they're off to the right where Downey said the white hunters had their camp they should go to the left but that will take us to the hunting grounds of Puma and Timber Wolf protested young black bug yes I know but we can swing around north of them before we reach their woods at any rate we can't run right into danger white tail took up the lead and young black bug followed they stole away in the woods almost as silently as shadows a well-worn trail led into the darkest and thickest part of the forest and as this kept going straight away from the manhunter's camp they stuck close to it maybe this is Puma's trail young black bug remarked after they had gone a considerable distance no deer have been this way no of course not this isn't our woods but Puma hasn't been here I could smell him then Timber Wolf and his pack made it no it hasn't Timber smell either white tail had his nose close to the ground and while he couldn't quite make out whose trail it was he felt confident that it wasn't that of either Puma or Timber still it is always dangerous to follow an unknown trail it's against the law of the herd for the leader to do so and that white tail known it he would have taken to the thick woods but he thought he was doing right for it was much easier to travel faster in this way he was jogging along cautiously when the trail became suddenly very strong and fresh he stopped and flung at his hand that animal odour that had caught his nose startled him but the sight which met his eyes startled him more than the strange odour there standing directly in the broad trail grinning at them was Buster the bear what a shock it gave him Buster seemed to tower up so big that he looked like a giant of a bear with a snort of fear white tail turned and sprang out of the trail clearing a clump of bushes in a beautiful jump and calling the young black buck to follow the latter didn't need this advice for he was already out of the trail running for dear life now back in the broad trail Buster who had been nearly as much surprised as they suddenly roared with glee his fat sides shaking and wobbling he laughed what a scare I gave him and he didn't open my mouth I wonder what he'd done if I'd roared like this he let out a roar that shook the leaves off the bushes and made white tail and young black buck run harder than ever to them it seems as if that roar was trying to catch them and they couldn't dodge its echo but of course Buster wasn't pursuing them in the first place he knew he couldn't overtake them and in the second he wasn't particularly hungry and rarely killed deer or bucks he was too kind hearted for that but he did enjoy a joke he thought it was a huge one to scare them half out of their wits white tail and young black buck ran without knowing which way they were going in fact they might have run straight into the camp of the man hunters if they hadn't been stopped by the sudden being of the dogs this time the dogs were so close that they couldn't expect to throw them off their scent in fact one of them saw white tail's head and gave the signal he rushed for them with wild yelps of the light and two others followed him the two bucks swung around in another direction and ran pel-mel through the woods the fear of the dogs made them forget Buster indeed white tail realized his mistake now he knew that Buster could not overtake him in a race but the dogs of the man hunters might wait and day until exhaustion killed one or the other we're in for it now white tail said to his companion breathing hard the dogs are fresh and we're not we must find a river to throw them off our scent but finding a river in a strange woods was not an easy thing to do so far as they knew there was no river there they were completely turned around they knew which direction to take to reach home young black buck soon began to show signs of weariness and his lame leg hurt him again in vain white tail urged him on but he couldn't run any faster the dogs would certainly soon overtake him then white tail did a magnanimous thing he couldn't bear to leave his companion behind to be pulled down by the dogs while he escaped no no that would never do for one who someday expected to be leader of the herd young black buck he said running along by the sight of the panting creature you run straight on as hard as you can I'm going to stop here until the dogs see me then I'll lead them off to the left so long as they can see me they'll follow me and forget the scent when I get them far enough away run faster and get away from them you understand young black buck nodded his head he was too tired to reply in words then go on I'll wait here until the dogs come up it was a risky thing to do but white tail felt that alone he could outrun the dogs at any rate he was going to do that much for his companion he didn't have long to wait the baying hounds soon appeared and catching sight of white tail they started for him with the helps of the light white tail sprang away in the bushes but not so fast that the dogs lost sight of him he noticed that all three were chasing him then when some distance away from the fork in the trail he increased his speed in a very short time he was out of sight again but the hounds were on his scent they had lost young black bucks and there was no chance of there picking it up again away on the wind white tail flew his tremendous strides carried him far in the lead mile after mile he covered his proud head flowing back his nostrils distended it was a killing pace but the dogs held on behind how long could he stand it another mile and the pace began to tell on him he was growing weary and exhausted but the dogs were still coming when he began to fear he could not escape it began to rain falling gently at first and then more heavily in the next story you will read of how the rain helped him end of story 10 story 11 of white tail the deer's adventures by George as Albert Walsh this slipper fox recording is in the public domain recording by phone white tails adventure in the camp the rain made white tails difficulties worse for the logs and stones were so slippery that he stumbled time and again and to avoid a fall he had the slack in his pace the dogs on the other hand kept up their pace as the slippery things did not seem to bother them and they began to gain on the fleeing buck very rapidly their deep baying drew so near that white tail became startled but all this time the rain was planning to help the buck although he did not know it at the time he was feeling very uncomfortable as well as frightened the steady downpour soaked him to the skin the driving wind splashed the raindrops in his eyes half blinding him when the dogs drew so near that white tail felt they would soon see him he turned abruptly around and ran at right angles to his former course he had not tried dodging before but had kept on a straight course to his surprise he heard the barking of the dogs grow suddenly fainter very confused the fact was the heavy downpour of rain had nearly blotted out his trail and the dogs could not readily pick it up again so long as he kept on in straight course the dogs had followed him but now by dodging white tail found he could easily elude them so faint was the scent he left behind the rain washed that away and completely baffled the dogs it was a great blessing for white tail was badly winded he was so tired that as soon as he left the dogs far in the rear he saw shelter from the rain he was almost exhausted with his efforts and the bed of leaves or grass would be the greatest blessing in the world directly ahead of him he saw an old deserted open camp standing in a small clearing it was built of pine logs with a bark left on and a roof and three sides the front was left open with an old campfire place of stones and rocks a few feet away at first white tail stopped and looked at the camps suspiciously if the man hunters lived in it he should avoid it as he would puma or timber but if it were deserted there was no harm in seeking shelter under its roof he watched, listened and sniffed for a long time before he dared approach it then by degrees he walked closer until he had a chance to look inside there was no one there and it had not been inhabited for a long long time white tail could tell this by the absence of any odor I think it's safe he muttered after another close examination I'll spend a night here I'm dreadfully tired and so wet I'm cold and chivalry he walked under the sheltering roof and found a bed of sweet smelling spruce boughs in one corner they were perfectly dry and white tail gave a grunt of satisfaction it was a dry shelter with a soft dry bed already prepared for him he dropped down on it with a sigh of intense relief it rained hard all night white tail could hear the floods of water pouring under the roof of his shelter but under it the place was dry and warm darkness came early in the woods and it was soon pitchy black he felt perfectly safe if none of the night-crowlers appeared the rain however was a protection to him for even Puma and Timber rarely ventured forth in such a storm they preferred to do their hunting on clear dry nights when the scent of their prey was clear and distinct I don't think anybody will disturb me until morning white tail sent and I can rest here in peace but of course you can never tell what may happen in the wild woods suppose Puma or Timber Wolf should be caught away from home in the rain if they were and saw the open camp they would very naturally seek it for shelter just as white tail had done it was quite early in the evening when white tail was awakened from slumber by a thump thump outside it came nearer and nearer white tail was so frightened that he could scarcely breathe he trembled in every limb some animal was coming around the side of the open camp before white tail could leap to his feet to run a hen was thrust around the corner and a pair of wonderful eyes looked at him at the same instant the owner of them caught sight of white tails hello bumper white tail exclaimed when he recognised bumper the white rabbit don't be afraid I'm white tail the deer well I'm mighty glad of that replied bumper approaching you gave me an awful start at first I thought you were Mr. Fox or sneaky the wolf or Puma and I thought you were Timber Wolf or the man hunters or their dogs seeing that we were both wrong then said bumper we might share this camp between us you have no objection I hope no I'm glad to have company I'm dreadfully excited and alarmed then he told the white rabbit about his adventures ending up with the pursuit by the dogs and his escape to the deserted camp you certainly did have a hard time of it bumper when he had finished and you're a long way from home I do hope you can get back without accident what's that bumper stopped and white tail raised his head in alarm there was a scream outside and then a wild commotion in the bushes the next moment something came rushing in the camp and flopped down right at white tails feet it was rusty the blackbird help help oh help me rusty cried great horn the owl is after me here he comes now and out of the darkness swept a shadowy figure that hardly made any noise but the moment it saw white tail it stopped and circled around his hand white tail raised his hand and swung his big antlers threateningly at great horn look out he said or I'll hit you don't come any nearer great horn is that you white tail asked great horn I didn't know you were here well I won't disturb you I'm after rusty there at your feet let me have him and I will leave at once you will leave at once without rusty replied white tail and I'm going to protect him hoot hoot shouted the owl in laughter I'll take him whether you want me to or not he made a swift dally for poor rusty but white tails big antlers swung around and knocked him over one prong hurt great horn so that he flew back to a safe place if you come nearer you'll be worse the next time warrant white tail great horn sat there and considered for some time his great eyes blinking and winking what are you doing here white tail he asked finally don't you know you're on puma's hunting grounds well if you don't know it you ought to I think puma might be interested in knowing it now give me rusty at once or I'll fly away and tell puma this threat made rusty tremble and bumper shiver in his corner where he was hiding under the bows but white tail did neither go and tell him great horn he replied I won't give up rusty I'll protect my friends and great horn flew away what he did will appear in the next story end of story 11 story 12 of white tail the dearest adventures by George S. Albert Walsh this libra fox recording is in the public domain recording by phone white tail escapes the moment great horn the owl flew out of the open camp to tell puma of white tail's hiding place bumper hopped from his place in the corner and rusty jumped to a perch on one of the book's antlers oh dear began rusty I've got trouble upon you white tail great horn will guide puma here I wish now I'd never flown in here no you don't wish that rusty replied white tail if you hadn't come here great horn would have killed you and now puma will kill you not if I can help it smiled white tail he's been on my trail before and I shook him off then he told rusty of his adventures your wonderful white tail the blackbird said when he had finished you saved young black book's life and nearly lost your own now you saved my life and got yourself in more danger I wish I could do something to help you in return probably you can rusty who knows I'm terribly mixed up in these strange wounds I hardly know which way to go to find home perhaps you can direct me yes I can do that easily thanks that's one good turn you can do me now for another is there any river or stream near here that I can reach if so I can go through it before puma comes and then wait down it to throw him and well yes there's a shallow brook only a mile from here I can take you to that which way shall I go up or down the brook go down it a couple of miles until it runs in the stream where father buck led to herd feed under rushes this morning the place you started from when you ran to race with young black book in that case replied white tail I'm anxious to be off but it's a dreadful night outside here it rain yes but it would be more dreadful to stay here until great horn and puma appeared puma would kill me and great horn would pounce upon you yes of course we must go right away rain or no rain bumper who have been listening to the conversation hoped to the entrance and then came back if I'm any judge he said I don't think you have such a wet trip that shower was the last the clouds are breaking away and the moon will soon be out white tail was instantly on his feet and beat rusty to the front where the two of them gazed at the drain clouds now growing thin and ragged in places they saw a star twinkle in the east and then another and another the storm was indeed over and the night trip through the woods would not be so disagreeable I must be off at once rusty white tail said puma may be back any minute he can't start any too soon to suit me white tail for if puma comes great horn will be with him come on I'm ready it seems to me remarked bumper you don't consider me at all I'm not even invited to go with you we thought you'd prefer to stay in this dry camp replied white tail it's very comfortable here and you can hide under the spruce boughs the white rabbit sniffed how long do you suppose it would take puma to find me he asked when he found you'd gone he'd eat me up instead the rabbit makes only a mouse ball for puma but it's better than nothing no, I'm going with you so the three started forth leaving the shelter of the camp for the wet trail of the woods and how wet everything was the trail was soaked with water and every leaf and bow was trucking with moisture every bush they touched threw a shower of raindrops all over them rusty like the way hopping and flying from bush to bush with bumper following next and white tail bringing up the rear bumper was as familiar with the woods as rusty and white tail really followed him although at times the white rabbit took shortcuts for a newer path which the buck could not tread it was very quiet and solemn in the woods after the rain the stillness seemed intensified by the occasional splatter of water as some overladen tree branch dipped its load and let it fall through the ground no birds or animals were abroad and they made half the distance without accident or alarm then back of them came a fearful roar that startled the echoes of the wild woods it was Poma the mountain lion he's found leaf escaped pride rusty oh do hurry he'll pick up your trail and great horn will find me hurry hurry wait a minute exclaimed white tail won't you find a hiding place rusty yes many of them but I must show you the way to the shallow brook no you tell me how to find it interrupted white tail I can run much faster alone let's trade ahead white tail then find a hiding place in the bushes goodbye and thank you are you going to leave me white tail ask bumper yes bumper for you travel too slow for me you must find a burrow and run for it there must be one around here yes there's a good one not far from here but don't you need me no bumper I can outrun you and if you come along Puma may overtake me goodbye and thank you I'm off now bumper waited until white tail was out of sight and hearing then he sought a safe burrow and stood at the entrance to watch and listen pretty soon he heard a crash in the bushes as Puma came dashing along close behind him was great horn the owl flitting from tree to tree I wonder where Rusty is great horn the same I don't see him anywhere neither do I see white tail word back Puma but I smell him I'm on the right trail I wish I could smell Rusty my eyes are good but my nose isn't as sharp as yours Puma I don't care where Rusty is was the reply I want white tail and I'm going to catch him this time he can't escape as he did before they swept past bumper and made their way down the trail the white rabbit sighed and said I do hope white tail will escape and white tail hope so too meanwhile he was running with all his might as soon as he had left his two friends he leaped through the bushes or over them with his head aimed straight for the brook he heard the roar of Puma behind him and this spurred him on to greater speed when he finally reached a shallow brook he waded in and rapidly followed it down toward its mouth where it joined the wider stream when Puma reached a brook he was baffled the sentiac been following suddenly stopped which way has he gone he growled down I'll go up great horn and you go down if you see him hoot to me and he'll come Puma crossed the stream and ran up it on the opposite side and great horn flitted down it of course great horn found white tail but what happened then will appear next end of story 12 story 13 of white tail the deer's adventures in the George S. Albert Walsh this libra fox recording is in the public domain recording by phone white tail hears unpleasant news great horn found white tail a long way down the stream but by that time morning was dawning and the light began to hurt the owl's eyes he caught a glimpse of something moving through the bushes and flew toward it or he could not in the early light see very far ah I found you white tail he cried I knew it was you how did you know it great horn asked white tail I know you can't see very well in this light I don't believe you can see me yet you only hear me the idea snapped great horn I can see you as well I don't believe it replied white tail can you see rusty sitting on the end of my antlers rusty rusty is he there exclaimed great horn excitedly now the thought of being so near to his prey made him very hungry and he flew straight at white tails head this was what the buck wanted and when the owl was close enough he swung his antlers around swiftly and caught great horn on the end the blow was enough to knock the breath out of the bird and he fell with a plump in the bushes that's for betraying me to puma white tails said now call to him when you can get back your breath I'm off and through the bushes he ran leaving great horn so surprised and stunned that he couldn't call to puma for a long time white tail had made good his escape a few yards through the woods he came upon the other stream the broad river which he knew so well he crossed this and made his way up the other embankment then with the woods before him familiar to his eyes and nose he ran rapidly toward home he had made his way out of puma's hunting and through the higher timberland to his home his appearance was healed with the light by all his friends oh white tail we thought you were dead exclaimed one dead huh why should you think that he sniffed young black book said you were he left you and he was sure the dogs would catch you he was sorry for you but you couldn't keep up with him and he didn't want to die because he ran as fast as he what exclaimed white tail has young black book returned and did he tell such a tale why yes that's what he said with a roar of rage at this falsehood white tail pushed his way into the middle of the herd and stood face to face before young black book you have been spreading more false stories about me young black he said after the way I saved you from the dogs you lie about me young black books stood all a tremble at the sight of white tail he had truly believed that the dogs would catch him and he thought there would be no harm in telling a story of his escape that would hurt white tail and help himself listen white tail added swinging around and facing the herd listen to a story of treachery young black book has lied to you and you must hear me when he stumbled and sprained his leg I stayed with him until it healed then when the man hunters started the dogs on our trail we ran together until young black book's weak leg crippled him again the dogs would have called him but I waited for them and when they saw me I let them off on my trail young black book escaped while I let the dogs and Mary chase I saved his life and he rewards me for it by lies nothing but lies the commotion that followed these words was great and the herd gazed from one speaker to the other I challenge you to deny it continued white tail facing young black book see he cannot deny it he knows it to be the truth young black book indeed looked guilty his limbs were trembling and his head drooping for once he had no ready story to explain his lies to punish you for it young black book I challenge you to a fight went on white tail now so enraged that he wanted to punish his rival it was then that black book interfered cease your quarrelling over such petty things he said there are greater things for the herd to consider than this what can be greater than a question of honour interrupted white tail boldly your son has spread false heads about me and I challenge him to prove it by fighting and I tell you to cease your quarrelling added black book you may need your strength for a different kind of challenge know you not what has happened white tail looked mystified suddenly it occurred to him that he hadn't seen father buck or mother deer they hadn't come forth to greet him had anything serious happened to them no I don't know what has happened white tail admitted I have been away and know nothing then listen replied black buck our leader has failed he stumbled in the chase and missed his footing when we crossed the brook he failed to clear it he is no longer our leader he is old and broken tomorrow we meet at the council tree to choose a new leader white tail stood dumb found it father buck had been disgraced he had fallen and missed his footing he had failed to cross the brook in a single jump he was to be deposed as leader it seemed incredible and white tail was on the point of saying so when he remembered the words of father buck and his prediction that someday he would fail through old age and weakness the thing had happened then in his absence white tail was glad of that for it would have been hard for him to witness the leader's downfall without another word to black buck he whirled around to hunt up father buck and mother deer he wanted to truth from their lips and not from one who found pleasure in it the sneer in black buck's words angered him he found the two quietly resting under a tree back of the herd a little to one side as if they had already been cast out and ignored by those who had so recently looked up to them mother deer rose and ran to greet her son it is well white tail that you've come back at this time she said quietly you have heard news yes I've heard it it is true then that that yes my son interrupted father buck I have led my last chase never again will the herd follow me what must come to all of us at some time has befallen me there is nothing to regret one and all must face it sooner or later why should we not accept it complacently white tail was surprised and yet pleased by the quiet acceptance father buck took of his downfall it's often the load that he was carrying in his own heart I prepared you for it you remember white tail the old leader continued well tomorrow they will choose a new leader they will demand that I step aside but until then I'm leader and no one shall dispute that right he rose and took his huge antlered head looking for all the world like a leader and when he bellowed in order everyone started he was not yet deposed in the next story what happened at the council tree will be told end of story 13