“No, I’m glad to have company. I’m dreadfully excited and alarmed.”
Then he told the White Rabbit about his adventures, ending up with the pursuit by the dogs, and his escape to the deserted camp.
“You certainly did have a hard time of it,” said Bumper when he had finished. “And you’re a long way from home. I do hope you can get back without accident. What’s that?”
Bumper stopped, and White Tail raised his head in alarm. There was a scream outside, and then a wild commotion in the bushes. The next moment something came rushing in the camp, and flopped down right at White Tail’s feet.
It was Rusty the Blackbird. “Help! Help! Oh, help me!” Rusty cried. “Great Horn the Owl is after me! Here he comes now!”
And out of the darkness swept a shadowy figure that hardly made any noise; but the moment it saw White Tail it stopped and circled around his head. White Tail raised his head, and swung his big antlers threateningly at Great Horn.
“Look out,” he said, “or I’ll hit you! Don’t come any nearer, Great Horn!”
“Is that you, White Tail?” asked Great Horn. “I didn’t know you were here. Well, I won’t disturb you. I’m after Rusty there at your feet. Let me have him, and I will leave at once.”
“You will leave at once without Rusty,” replied White Tail. “He’s a friend of mine, and I’m going to protect him.”
“Hoot! Hoot!” shouted the Owl in laughter. “I’ll take him whether you want me to or not.”