146 Trails to Woods and Waters 



on, my fine fellow, and I will give you a ter- 

 rible thrashing." 



This was more than the uncertain bull could 

 stand. He had been challenged, his courage 

 had been questioned, his reputation was at 

 stake, so with a short bellow of rage, and a 

 snort of defiance, he tore through the under- 

 brush, bending down small saplings as he 

 came. 



We could now plainly hear his hoofs clack, 

 as he came, like huge castanets. Then he 

 burst out into the open, his head erect, his 

 nostrils distended, his eyes blazing, his whole 

 attitude belligerent. 



He was a magnificent picture as he stood 

 there in the full moonlight, clearly outlined 

 against the forest. The broad spread of his 

 antlers, his massive head, his deep chest, and 

 his great height, all proclaimed him a king. 

 The rightful king of the forest whose denizens 

 should honor and whom man should admire 

 as one of God's splendid creatures. 



Whether he would have come still nearer 

 and finally either scented or actually seen 



