CHAPTER VII.
THE FIGHT IN THE RAVINE.
When morning came, Silver Ribbon heard all the others at play withGolden Ribbon's horse, and she ventured out. But on seeing the crowdshe was still so ashamed that she slipped quietly past, and went rightinto the wood. Going down the edge of the deep ravine she wandered sheknew not and cared not where, till she came to the winding stream atthe bottom. Seeing Bruin taking a drink she passed softly down thebank, and coming to a grassy spot she sat down, feeling very unhappy.She watched for awhile the little fishes as they darted to and fro,envying their happiness.
But hearing a gliding movement in the grass behind her, what was herhorror when on turning round she saw the big snake a few feet away, itshead raised, its neck arched, and its cunning eyes shining withfiendish glee. Poor Silver Ribbon would have run away, but she couldnot; she was too near and was fascinated.
FASCINATED.]
"Aha," said the hideous reptile with a hiss, "I have got you now."
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Although Chattie was a funny bird and straightforward, still she had aliking for Silver Ribbon, and when with her quick eyes she saw the poorsad thing wandering aimlessly down the ravine, she followed secretlyfrom tree to tree to watch over her. Noticing the rise of the horridsnake's head, she flew back like an arrow to Castle Frank to tell ofSilver Ribbon's danger.
Robin seized a short loaded gun and ran after the parrot as fast as hecould. The brushwood was very thick but he pressed on, and as he drewnear the spot he heard roars and groans and hissing. Getting out intothe open, he saw the snake and Hug-grippy fighting desperately. Thereptile was coiled around the bear's body, its head was raised, itsmouth wide open, and its glittering eyes were looking straight intoBruin's face. It was gripping Hug-grippy dreadfully: he was in agonyand was losing breath.
Kneeling down upon one knee, Robin raised his gun; but being scarcelynear enough, it was dangerous to fire--he might shoot the bear.Running right up, without realizing his danger, he went close behindthe combatants. Not noticing the serpent's tail in the grass he trodupon it, when round his ankle it swept, and in an instant he was thrownupon his face and stunned.
Bruin, though fighting bravely, was losing the battle. Chattie wascircling wildly in the air and screaming. Everything seemed to be lost.
Suddenly Robin woke up, drew a hunting knife from his belt and slashedthe serpent's tail, setting himself free. The reptile turned itsarched head towards him, showed its tiger-like fangs and hissed as froma pipe of steam. Robin jumped back a little and picked up his gun.Placing it to his shoulder, he took rapid aim within a few feet of theserpent's head--bang went fire and smoke and bullet--snake and beartumbled down together and rolled upon the grass. The unusual sometimeshappens, a boy had done the work of the bravest man. The huge, darkmonster was shot through the head, and its long, scaly body twisted andquivered in death.
Hug-grippy, slowly disentangling himself, went down to the brook all ina tremble, and freely drank of the water. He rested for a little inthe cooling stream and rose up refreshed. Coming forward to Robin, helicked his extended hand in unspoken thankfulness. As a member of akindness class he had come to the aid of Silver Ribbon just in time tobreak the spell, yet he himself would have perished but for the timelyaid of a brave, true boy.
"Hurrah for my beloved young master, and for dear old Hug-grippy,"shrieked Chattie in hysteric happiness.
"Don't mention me," said Bruin softly, with a smile broad and funny.
"Nor me," said Robin modestly; "it is due to us all," added he with asweet becoming smile.
And the young soldier-teacher, with Chattie on his shoulder andHug-grippy by his side carrying the gun, went home with glad andexultant heart to the quaint castle.
Silver Ribbon became completely changed, working honestly and well; andfrom that time forward she was respected and loved.
The awful conflict was never forgotten by the many pets of CastleFrank: they talked over it now and again all their lives, and theythought how good and great was the young master, who went through suchtrouble and danger for the benefit of creatures so much his inferior.
"I guess," said Red Ribbon on a certain occasion, "Master Robinunderstands that we have feelings as well as human people."
Chattie, who could quote Scripture, sometimes more appropriately thangreater parrots, chimed in--
"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."
"Dearie me," said Green Ribbon, "I never knew there was a text for usbefore."
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But Fairyland we now must leave-- The land of Robin's spell. Adieu! Celeste, magic Queen: We like thy teaching well.
The Fairy School of Castle Frank Page 7