Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-11-02
nr1IILES10R!Es
%BEGDTImTE
BY THORNTON w. BURGESS.
Copyright. 1915. by T. W. Burgess.l
Lightfoot in Strange Surround
ings.

When the door of Farmer Browns
cowshed was closed Lightfoot the Deer
for the first time realized what it means
to be a prisoner. Never before in all
his life had he known so much as a
minute when he was not free to go and
come as he pleased. Never before in all
his life had he been inside four walls.
A sudden great terror filled his heart
different terror from that with which
he had run from those savage dogs; a
different terror from that with which
he had outwitted the hunters with their
terrible guns. Then his terror was not
wholly helpless. There was a chance to
use his wits. He could at least try.
But now he was helpless. There was
nothing he could do but walk round and
round and realize more and more how
very helpless he was. He couldn't run
away. He couldn't even try. He couldn't
fight because there was no one to fight.
And this feeling that he could do moth
All he could do was to wait and wonder
what would happen next. Would Farmer
Browns Boy come with a terrible gun
and shoot him? Lightfoot shivered at
the thought.
But nothing of the kind happened
By and by the door opened ever SO lit
tie and Farmer Brown and Farmer
Browns Boy peeped in. Isn't he hand
some?" said Farmer Browns Boy
Farmer Brown nodded.
q think you had better get him 4
drink said he. II guess he must be
pretty dry after that long run. for
suspect that those dogs must have
| chased him most of the night to have
tired him out so"
Il hadn't thought of that" exclaimed
Farmer Browns Boy. of course. he s
thirsty. 1t always makes one thirsty to
run. II get pail of water and I'll get
some clover hay. Well make him as
comfortable as we can. There is plenty
of straw in there for him to lie down on
III he wants to.
You may bring a little salt. too"
added Farmer Brown. You know deer
are very fond of salt They are as
fond of salt as small boys are of candy.
I've known hunters to put salt out in
the woods where the deer would find it
and then hide near It and shoot them
when they came to it. That is against
the law now but it wasn't when I was
a boy. and there were men who We're
quite mean and unfair enough to do it"
I'm glad that it is against the law
now said Farmer Browns Boy. as he
hurried away.
All this time Lightfoot had stood
backed up in corner of the shed as
far from them as he could get a great
Fear clutching at his heart as he realized
more than ever how helpless he was. If
ne had understood what was being said
a great load would have been lifted from
his mind. But. of course. he didn't I'M
derstand and so he didn't know whether
these two men crea lures were friends o.
enemies, and he had suffered so much
fright from hunters that he suspected
all men as enemies.
Presently Farmer Browns Boy re-
turned with a pail of water which he
! put inside the cowshed. Then he brought
pile Of sweet clover hay and box
in which was a lump of salt. After this
he closed the door and Lightfoot was
alone For some time Lightfoot stood
where he was watching that door sus-
piciously. But the door remained closed
and slowly Lightfood advanced toward
the pail of water. for he was very. very
thirsty In fact. his throat fairly
smarted because it was so dry. How