human
What kind of a story are you trying to fill me up with? he demanded indignantly.
gpt
Do you mean to tell me that those are not the antlers that you have had as long as I've known you? How can anything hard like those antlers grow? And if those are new ones, where are the old ones? Show me the old ones, and perhaps I'll believe that these are new ones. The idea of trying to make me believe that antlers grow just like plants! I've seen Bossy the Cow all summer and I know she has got the same horns she had last summer. New antlers indeed!
human
You are quite right, Peter, quite right about Bossy the Cow. She never has new horns, but that isn't any reason why I shouldn't have new antlers, is it? replied Lightfoot patiently.
gpt
Her horns are quite different from my antlers. I have a new pair every year. You haven't seen me all summer, have you, Peter?
human
No, I don't remember that I have,
gpt
I _know_ you haven't, retorted Lightfoot.
human
I know it because I have been hiding in a place you never visit.
gpt
What have you been hiding for?
human
For my new antlers to grow, replied Lightfoot.
gpt
When my new antlers are growing, I want to be away by myself. I don't like to be seen without them or with half grown ones. Besides, I am very uncomfortable while the new antlers are growing and I want to be alone.
human
Where did you leave your old ones and when did they come off?
gpt
They dropped off last spring, but I don't remember just where, replied Lightfoot.
human
I was too glad to be rid of them to notice where they dropped. You see they were loose and uncomfortable, and I hadn't any more use for them because I knew that my new ones would be bigger and better. I've got one more point on each than I had last year.