Then Rolf remembered the Indian's words: "You can make strong medicine with your mouth." He spoke to the deer, gently, softly.

Then came nearer, and tapped o'n the horn he wished to cut; softly speaking and tapping he increased his force, until at last he was permitted to chop seriously at that prison bar.

It took many blows, for the antler stuff is very thick and strong at this time, but the horn was loose at last.

Rolf gave it a twist and the strong buck was free.

Free for what?
Oh, tell it not among the folk who have been the wild deer's friend! Hide it from all who blindly believe that gratitude must always follow good-will! With unexpected energy, with pent-up fury, with hellish purpose, the ingrate sprang on his deliverer, aiming a blow as deadly as was in his power.
Wholly taken by surprise, Rolf barely had time to seize the murderer's horns and ward them off his vitals.