236 THE MOOSE 



The wisdom of his wise mother came back to 

 him down the years, bidding him take care. The 

 challenge note, howsoever alluring, was not inimit- 

 able I 



" Be warned ! Be watchful I Pay no heed !" 



It rang in the vibrating summons, sobbed to 

 him from the trees, murmured in the grasses, 

 tinkled from the river. 



" Be warned I Be watchful ! Pay no heed I" 



So might the old cow have counselled, all 

 ignorant of the strength of masculine desire. Be- 

 hind the battle-cry lay the wild untrammelled 

 passion of primeval spirits. 



It drove away reason, was the death of circum- 

 spection — it was irresistible. 



The call again ! 



Straight as an arrow from the depths of the 

 forest Moosewa broke into the open, coming at a 

 quick lumbering trot, his nose high in the air, his 

 magnificent antlers lying along his flanks. 



Higher went the weighty head, and in bellowing 

 resonant tones he gave the answering battle-cry. 

 Sobbing and panting it twisted on the silence, " To 

 arms I To arms I" 



The big beast stood, tense and rigid, listening. 



