Finally the
distance was right, and he drew his bow.
Even as the arrow flew the deer began to bolt.
Too late for the buck he had chosen! It fell to the ground with
a shudder as the arrow entered its heart. He moved forward
quickly to bleed the carcass.
Only then did he see the cause for the deers' alarm!
Dionysius stepped from the shadow of a tree trunk, sword in
hand.
"Good shooting. Don't reach for another arrow. I believe I
shall take that buck. Be so kind as to carve it for me. And I
would not try to use knife against sword. At least, not until
the buck has been carved. Then you may try what you like. Lay
down the bow!"
Reluctantly Demo unstrung his bow, placed it on the ground.
I deserve to lose that buck. To have failed to watch, listen
carefully! He stalked angrily to the deer, began cleaning the
meat.
While cutting he watched the robber with careful eyes. If the
fellow dropped his guard! Forlorn hope. It did not happen. Then
he noticed something new.
The birds on the shoreward side became suddenly noisy, then
broke into flight. Their flight was followed only by silence.
Something, or someone, was approaching!
He went on with his task, while his eyes searched feverishly to
see who approached.
She stepped into view at the edge of the small clearing.
Smiling she approached.
"Demo, I was told you hunted here. Ah, what a fine buck! You
never miss, do you?"
"Theresa, go home! Quickly!"
He stood erect, stepped between her and the swordsman.
Pages:
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227