A WOODLAND MENAGERIE
"Hoo-ah! Yo-ho! H-e-r-e! This--way!"
Adrian followed the voice. It led him aside into the woods on the
eastern slope, and it was accompanied by an indescribable babel of
noises. Running water, screaming of wild fowl, cooing of pigeons,
barking of dogs or some other beasts, cackling, chattering, laughter.
All the sounds of wild life had ceased suddenly in the tree-tops, as
Adrian approached, recognizing and fearing his alien presence. But
they were reassured by Margot's familiar summons, and soon the
"menagerie" he had suspected was gathered about her.
"Whew! It just rains squirrels--and chipmunks--and birds! Hello!
That's a fawn. That's a fox! As sure as I'm alive, a magnificent red
fox! Why isn't he eating the whole outfit? And---- Hurra!"
To the amazement of the watcher there came from the depths of the
woods a sound that always thrills the pulses of any hunter--the cry of
a moose-calf, accompanied by a soft crashing of branches, growing
gradually louder.
"So they tame even the moose--these wonderful people! What next!" and
as Adrian leaned forward the better to watch the advance of this
uncommon "pet," the "next" concerning which he had speculated also
approached. Slowly up the river bank, stalked a pair of blue herons,
and for them Margot had her warmest welcome.
"Heigho, Xanthippe, Socrates! What laggards! But here's your
breakfast, or one of them. I suppose you've eaten the other long ago.
Indeed, you're always eating, gourmands!"
The red fox eyed the newcomers with a longing eye and crept cautiously
to his mistress' side as she coaxed the herons nearer. But she was
always prepared for any outbreak of nature among her forest friends,
and drew him also close to her with the caressing touch she might have
bestowed upon a beloved house-dog.
"Reynard, you beauty! Your head in my lap, sir;" and dropping to a
sitting posture, she forced him to obey her. There he lay, winking but
alert, while she scattered her store of good things right and left.
There were nuts for the squirrels and 'munks, grains and seeds for the
winged creatures, and for the herons, as well as Reynard, a few bits
of dried meat. But for Browser, the moose-calf, she pulled the tender
twigs and foliage with a lavish hand. When she had given some dainty
to each of her oddly assorted pets, she sprang up, closed the box, and
waved her arms in dismissal. The more timid of the creatures obeyed
her, but some held their ground persistently, hoping for greater
favors. To these she paid no further attention, and still keeping
hold of Reynard's neck started back to her human guest.
The fox, however, declined to accompany her. He distrusted strangers
and it may be had designs of his own upon some other forest wilding.
"That's the worst of it. We tame them and they love us. But they are
only conquered, not changed. Isn't Reynard beautiful? Doesn't he look
noble? as noble as a St. Bernard dog? If you'll believe me, that
fellow is thoroughly acquainted with every one of Angelique's fowls,
and knows he must never, never touch them, yet he'd eat one, quick as
a flash, if he got a chance. He's a coward, though; and by his
cowardice we manage him. Sometimes;" sighed Margot, who had led the
way into a little path toward the lake.
"How odd! You seem actually grieved at this state of things."
"Why shouldn't I be? I love him and I have a notion that love will do
anything with anybody or anything. I do believe it will, but that I
haven't found just the right way of showing it. Uncle laughs at me, a
little, but helps me all he can. Indeed, it is he who has tamed most
of our pets. He says it is the very best way to study natural
history."
"Hmm. He intends your education shall be complete!"
"Of course. But one thing troubles him. He cannot teach me music. And
you seem surprised. Aren't girls, where you come from, educated?
Doesn't everybody prize knowledge?"
"That depends. Our girls are educated, of course. They go to college
and all that, but I think you'd down any of them in exams. For my own
part, I ran away just because I did not want this famous 'education'
you value. That is, I didn't of a certain sort. I wasn't fair with you
awhile ago, you said. I'd like to tell you my story now."
"I'd like to hear it, of course. But, look yonder! Did you ever see
anything like that?"
Margot was proud of the surprises she was able to offer this stranger
in her woods, and pointed outward over the lake. They had just come to
an open place on the shore and the water spread before them sparkling
in the sunlight. Something was crossing the smooth surface, heading
straight for their island, and of a nature to make Adrian cry out:
"Oh! for a gun!"