It was a mystery no longer . They saw that they had mistaken the antlers of Lightfoot the Deer for the branch of a tree . Lightfoot was swimming across the Big River on his way back to his home in the Green Forest . At once Mr. and Mrs. Quack swam out to meet him and to tell him how glad they were that he was alive and safe . CHAPTER XXXI : A Surprising Discovery Probably there was no happier Thanksgiving in all the Great World than the Thanksgiving of Lightfoot the Deer , when the dreadful hunting season ended and he was once more back in his beloved Green Forest with nothing to fear . All his neighbors called on him to tell him how glad they were that he had escaped and how the Green Forest would not have been the same if he had not returned . So Lightfoot roamed about without fear and was happy . It seemed to him that he could not be happier . There was plenty to eat and that blessed feeling of nothing to fear . What more could any one ask ? He began to grow sleek and fat and handsomer than ever . The days were growing colder and the frosty air made him feel good . Just at dusk one evening he went down to his favorite drinking place at the Laughing Brook . As he put down his head to drink he saw something which so surprised him that he quite forgot he was thirsty . What do you think it was he saw ? It was a footprint in the soft mud . Yes , Sir , it was a footprint . For a long time Lightfoot stood staring at that footprint . In his great , soft eyes was a look of wonder and surprise . You see , that footprint was exactly like one of his own , only smaller .
To Lightfoot it was a very wonderful XXXXX .
Brook Forest Lightfoot Quack River World XXXI days evening footprint