Forest World by Felix Salten Read Free Book Online

stopped with gasping chest only when a jay swooped in his path, flutteredaround his nose and shouted at him with loud croakings:
    â€œBe calm! Be calm, my friend! No danger!”
    Tambo tried to conceal his trembling. He whispered in a low voice, “The thunder-stick—”
    â€œThe thunder-stick wasn’t meant for you,” the jay soothed him. “It fetched the marten down off the tree. That was the older He—the one with the gray fur on his head.”
    â€œAnd the galloping?” Tambo demanded, still anxious. “All that trampling—and the yapping?”
    The jay smiled. “The younger He right over there behind the trees. He doesn’t seem to have any thunder-stick at all. He rides only for enjoyment. Yes, on His horse. His dog runs along, just for fun too. All three of them are as innocent of any killing as you are.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œI’m very sure.” The jay spread his wings. “Farewell! I’ll watch, and I’ll warn you if it’s necessary.” He flew away.
    Tambo breathed in deep relief. Perhaps the squirrel was right! The happiness of being safe burned fiercely inhim. He glided back through the bush and the thicket without a sound.
    He went on pondering what Perri had said, and now he was convinced. “Yes,” he told himself, “it’s beautiful in the forest just the way things are. For us they are as they should be!”

Chapter 6
    I N THE EARLY-MORNING HOURS WHILE it was still dark, Lisa began to groan. She groaned softly at first, then louder and louder.
    â€œQuiet!” neighed Devil.
    But Lisa continued, always louder and more complaining.
    â€œI want to sleep!” The stallion stamped. “Haven’t you any consideration? Be still!”
    â€œBe still yourself!” retorted the donkey. “Don’t you know what’s happening? The milk-giver is going to have her baby. It’s wewho must have consideration for her.”
    The stallion fell silent.
    Witch went over to Lisa. “Is the pain bad?”
    â€œYes, very bad,” the cow replied. “And oh, I’m so worried.”
    Manni too had pushed into Lisa’s stall. “Worried? Nonsense. You’ll be all right.”
    â€œNo, no—about my baby—because of Him.” Her groans started up again.
    â€œDon’t be afraid,” the donkey comforted her. “He won’t take your baby. Not our He! I know He won’t.”
    But the cow moaned.
    â€œListen to me,” Manni urged. “I tell you I know Him well. You must trust Him. I’ve seen every creature that was knocked down in the forest with the thunder-stick. It was always for mercy. And I’ve told you there’s never been a young one among them. Never! And He’ll spare yours too.”
    An hour passed. As dawn was coming softly, Peter stepped into the barn. He had been expecting Lisa’scalving for days and had been keeping close watch on her day and night. He had a bucket in his hands and a lighted lantern.
    At sight of Lisa’s crowded stall, he laughed. “Now, look, children, this is impossible. I need room so I can help her. Go away!” He patted the smooth shanks of the horses and added, “Go on. Be reasonable. There, boy—there, good girl—there.”
    Obediently the horses returned to their stalls.
    The stallion whispered to Witch, “I’m really concerned about the baby.”
    â€œNo reason to be,” answered the mare, also in a whisper. “He only wants to help her.”
    â€œManni, you’re in my way,” scolded Peter in a gentle voice.
    â€œThat Gray has to meddle in everything,” the stallion muttered.
    Peter went to work, relieving the cow’s pain as best he could. Lisa felt the relief he brought her, and after another half hour Peter held the little calf in his arms.
    He took several handfuls of bran from his bucket and sprinkled them over the small