In the olden times, the animals were fond of sports. They often held
contests, with prizes for those that won.
Once a prize was offered for the animal who could prove himself the
swiftest runner.
The reward was to be a pair of great antlers. Each animal was to carry
the antlers on his head, while running the race. The animal that should
win, would have the antlers for his own.
A path through the woods was chosen for the race course. There were many
bushes and brambles along the way.
All the animals gathered at the place of meeting. They chose Black Bear
to be judge of the race. It was decided that the rabbit and the deer
alone should try for the prize.
"They are the best runners. None of the rest of us could hope to win,"
said the other animals.
White Rabbit was given the first chance.
"I am willing to try for the prize," White Rabbit said, "but I would
like first to look over the ground where I am to run."
So White Rabbit disappeared in the woods. He was gone so long that Red
Fox was sent to look for him.
Red Fox found the rabbit hard at work, cutting off twigs to clear a path
along which to run.
Red Fox went back and told the other animals what White Rabbit was
doing.
Pretty soon White Rabbit came out of the woods. He was all ready to put
on the antlers and begin the race for the great prize.
"Oh, no!" said Judge Bear. "We cannot allow you to enter the great race.
You are too fond of gnawing twigs. You may keep on gnawing twigs instead
of trying for the prize."
So little White Rabbit was not allowed to run for the prize.
Red Fox placed the horns upon the head of the deer and said, "It is your
turn to try to win the race."
Then the animals gave three loud cheers and told the deer to do his
best.
The deer ran swiftly along the woodland path. He carried the antlers so
skillfully that they were not once caught in the bushes.
When the deer returned to the place of meeting, Judge Bear proclaimed
him winner of the race.
As Black Bear gave the prize to the deer, he said, "Henceforth you shall
wear the antlers on your head. You shall always be called the Swift
Runner."