Billy, the pony, was now turned out to graze in the
forest; he came home every night of his own accord.
"I'll tell you what we want," said Humphrey, who took the command
altogether over the farm: "we want a cow."
"Oh yes, a cow," cried Alice, "I have plenty of time to milk her."
"Whose cows are those which I see in the forest sometimes?" said
Humphrey to Jacob.
"If they belong to any body, they belong to the king," replied Jacob;
"but they are cattle which have strayed and found their way to the
forest, and have remained here ever since. They are rather wild and
savage, and you must be careful how you go too near them, as the bulls
will run at you. They increase very fast: there were but six a few
years ago, and now there are at least fifty in the herd."
"Well, I'll try and get one, if I can," said Humphrey.
"You will be puzzled to do that, boy," replied Jacob, "and as I said
before, beware of the bulls."
"I don't want a bull," replied Humphrey, "but a cow would give us
milk, and then we should have more manure for the garden. My garden
will then grow more potatoes."
"Well, Humphrey, if you can catch a cow, no one will interfere; but I
think you will not find it very easy, and you may find it very
dangerous.
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