"
Jacob advanced from behind the stag, and cut his throat with his
hunting-knife. "He is a fine beast, and we have done well to-day, but
we shall have two journeys to make to get all this venison home. I
could not get a fair shot at him--and see, I have hit him here in the
flank."
"And here is my ball in his throat," said Edward.
"So it is. Then it was a good shot that you made, and you are master
of the hunt this day, Edward. Now, I'll remain, and you go home for
White Billy. Humphrey is right about the cart. If we had one, we could
have carried all home at once; but I must go now and cut the throat of
the other stag which you killed so cleverly. You will be a good hunter
one of these days, Edward. A little more knowledge, and a little more
practice, and I will leave it all to you, and hang up my gun over the
chimney."
It was late in the evening before they had made their two trips and
taken all the venison home, and very tired were they before it was
safely housed. Edward was delighted with his success, but not more so
than was old Jacob. The next morning, Jacob set off for Lymington,
with the pony loaded with venison, which he sold, as well as two more
loads which he promised to bring the next day, and the day after.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73