“ISN’T THE STAG A NOBLE-LOOKING CREATURE?”
“Isn’t the stag noble-looking!” cried Tiny. “What a big creature he is!”
“He is very proud,” said Winkie, less admiringly. “He is also selfish, for he becomes angry if any other stag comes inside his family circle.”
“Isn’t it fortunate that we don’t have to wear antlers?” laughed Tiny. “How funny you would look, Winkie, with horns or antlers!”
“It is said that one can tell the age of a stag by looking at his antlers,” replied Winkie, with the sprightliness that Tiny enjoyed. “Perhaps Mother Goose is thankful, too, that she doesn’t have them.”
Not far beyond Deertown, the two associates separated. Tiny was to go directly north, while Winkie was to pass through several winding paths to Weasel Bog.
“Goodby, Tiny. Carry your prize safely home, and tell your mother that you well deserved it,” said Winkie. “Some day I will bring my family to see you.”
“I am afraid you wouldn’t be very welcome in Squirreltown,” said Tiny. “However, I will meet you alone at any time you suggest. I will fetch you something good to eat.”
“Squirrels are all right in their bad opinions of weasels,” said Winkie, regretfully. “I never thought how scandalous my family would act, if I took them to Squirreltown. I do not wish to visit your village, but I will meet you at any place you may suggest. I want to see you only. Let me hear from you often.”