When Henry’s birthday came, he put a garland of red roses around
Malcom’s neck. Malcom was a handsome brown fawn, with a white breast. He
did not stay with the other deer in the park, but had a place fenced off
for his own playground. Henry brought him sugar and sweet cakes, and he
fed from his hand, and followed his little master around like a pet dog.
Henry lived in Scotland, and his father was the chief of the MacDonald
clan. Upon his birthday, all the tenants, with their wives and children,
came to the castle to dinner. Tables were spread in the great hall,
loaded with good things. Henry, dressed in his Highland dress, stood by
his father’s side, and listened to the speeches made in his honor.
Afterward, there were games played in the park, cricket, wrestling
matches, and shooting with the bow and arrow. Prizes were given to the
boys who showed the most skill.
While Henry was watching the games, Malcom came and rubbed his nose
against him, as if to say, “Don’t forget me.” But when the bagpipes
began to play, he was frightened, and bounded off amongst the trees.
As soon as Malcom’s horns grow, he will be turned out with the herd of
deer, but Henry will get the keeper to put a mark upon his pet, so that
he may always know him.
[Illustration: MALCOM.]