“Anyway, even if he proves as overbearing as he looks, it will be a great relief to talk to someone who can understand what I say. I am not accustomed to being without companions, especially since my Circus experience, and it’s lonesome without a companion to share my pleasures.”
Bleating his greeting, Billy advanced with a smile. Billy the Second nodded, but no answering bleat opened the way to conversation.
“I must admit that he’s rather offish and high and mighty. He could at least pass the time of day,” thought Billy, unused to having his friendly overtures met so coldly. “What shall I do to bring his High Mightiness down from his throne?” and Billy half closed his eyes in thought.
“Well, the impudent rascal! I do believe he’s mimicking me to arouse my wrath. I’ll prove it to my entire satisfaction and then I will give him the punishment such behavior deserves.”
There followed a series of advances, retreats and side steppings in which Billy’s adversary proved an adept, closely imitating Billy’s every move.
Jealousy began to grow in Billy’s heart, and, what is more, for the first time in all his life Billy was AFRAID. Yes, he really doubted his ability to conquer this foe in a fair fight, and the longer he hesitated about closing with the enemy, the greater hold did this fear have on him.
Were not those horns most splendid specimens? Of what would they not be capable in battle?
Was not this goat strong of limb and well-nigh perfect in every point?
Did not those eyes fairly gleam with fighting zeal? And the nostrils tremble with repressed excitement of the coming contest?
As many a wise general has evaded the enemy rather than risk a battle when little would be gained if victory perched on his banners and much would be lost if defeat met him, so Billy now decided that discretion demanded withdrawal, and he quietly covered his retreat by using the German woman and the ever-moving crowd as a shield.