“Damn!” she heard him say under his breath. Aloud he said, “Thank you.”
“He is a splendid creature,” she said. “I did not know what to do. I was glad to see a keeper coming.”
“Thank you,” he said again, and strode towards the place where the stag still stood gazing up the road, as if reflecting as to whether it allured him or not.
Betty walked back more slowly, watching him with interest. She wondered what he would find it necessary to do. She heard him begin a low, flute-like whistling, and then saw the antlered head turn towards him. The woodland creature moved, but it was in his direction. It had without doubt answered his call before and knew its meaning to be friendly. It went towards him, stretching out a tender sniffing nose, and he put his hand in the pocket of his rough coat and gave it something to eat. Afterwards he went to the gap in the fence and drew the wires together, fastening them with other wire, which he also took out of the coat pocket.
“He is not afraid of making himself useful,” thought Betty. “And the animals know him. He is not as bad as he looks.”
She lingered a moment watching him, and then walked towards the gate through which she had entered. He glanced up as she neared him.
“I don't see your carriage,” he said. “Your man is probably round the trees.”
“I walked,” answered Betty. “I had heard of this place and wanted to see it.”
He stood up, putting his wire back into his pocket.
“There is not much to be seen from the road,” he said. “Would you like to see more of it?”