“That’s what I call music!” said Dave.
But before Miranda could respond, a thunderous bellow roared in answer from the blackness of the woods close by; there was a heavy crashing in the underbrush, and the towering front of another bull appeared at the edge of the sands, looking for his challenger. Catching sight of Dave and Miranda, he charged down upon them at once.
“Get up a tree, quick!” cried Dave, slipping his long knife from its sheath and stepping in front of the girl.
“Don’t you meddle and there’ll be no trouble!” said Miranda, sharply. “You stand behind that tree!” and seizing him by the arm she attempted to push him out of sight. But for a second he stupidly resisted.
“Fool!” she flamed out at him. “What do you suppose I’ve done all these years without you?”
The moose recognized her
The anger in her eyes pierced his senses and brought wisdom. He realized that somehow she was master of the situation, and he reluctantly stepped behind the big willow trunk. It was just in the nick of time, for the furious animal was almost upon them. At this moment a breath of air from the water carried Miranda’s scent to the beast’s nostrils, and he checked himself in doubt. At once Miranda gave a soft whistle and stepped out into the clear flood of moonlight. The moose recognized her, stood still, raised his gigantic antlers to their full height, and stretched toward her his long, flexible snout, sniffing amicably. Then, step by step, he approached, while she waited with her small hand held out to him, palm upward; and Dave looked on in wonder from behind his tree, still doubtful, his fingers gripping his knife-hilt.
At this moment the first call sounded again across the lake. The moose forgot Miranda. He wheeled nimbly, lowered his head toward the great challenge, bellowed his answer, and charged along the shore to mortal combat. As he disappeared around a jutting spur of pines, a tall cow moose emerged from the shades and trotted after him.
Miranda turned to Dave with an air of triumph, her anger forgotten.