I saw her attempt it, though the young man Denty did his best to turn me back.
He was not easily deceived, and hearing the slight rustling of branches as I came along behind him, he looked back and said irritably, "Return, Mr. Curiosity—I don't want you."
Then he turned his head quickly, for there was another rustling sound beyond him.
We both looked toward the spot where the sound had been made, and there, gazing at us from a wild raspberry thicket was the most beautiful animal I have ever seen. Only the head was visible. The eyes were soft and lovely, but clouded by a mist of suffering. She was in pain, but though I saw this plainly the soldier did not.
"Ma belle!" he called as he pointed to the hurdles, "thy duty, then thy supper."
It seems the beautiful creature was usually addressed in French, which language I know a little, as so many of my owners have spoken it.
She came slowly, drawing her slender legs along and showing her exquisite white body stained alas! by red spots.
The soldier, his languor all gone, started forward in dismay, then he called, "Stop! my beauty. I did not know thy condition."
The beloved animal was actually trying to jump over the hurdles, but in a heavy and stupid manner, not with the usual graceful and bird-like agility of her family.
At his words she fell and could not rise.