Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-01-10
HITE DEER.
,rse Ethelbert Walsh.

k~NNN~
a snow and
iodically. All
is drifts were
Slworth. with
the fiaky
n his exertions.
the words OPP
d the dull clouds
-atening.
lilies from home,
Ii will be a hard
lore snow coming"
moments against
ch tree. whose white
anically stripped off.
in this occupation he
fhich aroused the natur-
I the hunter II was a
deer. but with a strange
int in it that made Dom
sip? Something is wrong!
wolf or dog"
)ility of a stray dog in the
woods was not great. and
missed that view from mind.
be wolves or some other
wonder how far it isl"
ned intently, applying his
surface of the snow. The
y of the deer was repeated
ais. growing fainter at every
ldenly Donald looked up at
lnxiously, and then down the
CHI led to his home. But with
esolve he frightened the strap
of his snowshoes, picked up
and started off in another di-
lust find out the trouble. he
etween his clenched teeth.
I'd though he was he slid along
is snowshoes with agility. and
ly passed beyond the opening in
iorest to the thickest part of it.
Il this direction came the strange
II of the deer. Five minutes later he
cd in an open glade with one of
use rare sights OF animal struggles
ctured before him that is allowed to
lie fortunate few. Two large bucks
TODD facing each other. with lowered
reads. and horns interlocked in dead
embrace. In their fierce struggle tor
the mastery their horns had become
entwined so that neither could escape.
Back and forth in the small opening
they had been plunging. pushing. SHOW
ing, and pulling hoping 10 break the
deadly embrace, but all they had ac-
complished was TO pack the snow hard
under their feet and tighten the fearful
grip of the horns.
Donald stood a moment in surprise
and amazement watching the strug-
Cling, doomed animals. No power of
their own could ever release them. One
might prove the stronger and gradual
ly tire out his opponent, but death 10
either one meant lingering starvation
to the other. To be interlocked with
the horns of dead deer was no vic
tory to anticipate.
Both animals appeared torealiZe their
danger. Instead of buclling and fight
ing with the fire OF anger flashing in
their eyes. they stood quiet and tremb-
ling, bleating p!tifully for the help
which might never come. Nothing
could break the lock of the terrible
horns.
We'll. this is a conurdrum,' re-
marked Donald with a whistle. III
shoot them both it will relieve them
of a lingering death: but | can't take
home their bodies, and if ] leave them
here the wolves will soon make way
with them
He stood idly by, gazing at the AMI
mails. while the two bucks stood quiet
as if waiting for his verdict. a far
away cry of a wolf suddenly made
them SILVER with fear. and one utter
ed half-broken plea for help This
reused Donald to say:
III get them out of the trouble if
can. It's shame TO leave them here 20
be killed by wolves. But il will take
time,"
He glanced up at the gathering
signs of new storm. and at the darl:-
ening landscape around: but as if for
getful of his own danger lie stepped
up TO the two struggling animals. TIE
WINGED and renewed the struggle as
he placed hand on their heads. But
they were helpless and unable TO make
resistance.
Now keep quiet he said soothing
ly, stroking them with his hand But
il required some effort on his part TO
induce them TO be quie, while he stud
led the problem before him. The horns
were locked in one of the simplest
ways imaginable. but nothing would
ever break the embrace unless they
could be pried sideways at just the
light angle.
Donald placed his rife between
horns and started to pry them
TT; but this caused renewed kicking
bucking on the part OF the two
fed animals. Back and forth he
wed them. holding his rifle in posi-
and prying hard at every favora-
.ae opportunity.
"You foolish things. why don't you
stand still?" he muttered. as he tugged
away. Cant you see I'm helping you?"
Finally, worn out with their contin-
ID exertions the bucks stopped in
e middle of the glade and painted
bleated mournfully. Another cry
distant wolf made them quiet and
full. During this lull In their strug-