He used to get up into the trees, and examine them as
they passed under him without perceiving him. One night Humphrey
returned very late, and the next morning he was off before daylight.
Breakfast was over, and Humphrey did not make his appearance, and they
could not tell what was the matter. Jacob felt uneasy, but Edward
laughed, and said:
"Oh, depend upon it, he'll come back and bring the cow with him."
Hardly had Edward said these words when in came Humphrey, red with
perspiration.
"Now then, Jacob and Edward, come with me; we must put Billy in the
cart, and take Smoker and a rope with us. Take your guns too, for fear
of accident."
"Why, what's the matter?"
"I'll tell you as we go along; but I must put Billy in the cart, for
there is no time to be lost."
Humphrey disappeared, and Jacob said to Edward--
"What can it be?"
"It can be nothing but the cow he is so mad about," replied Edward.
"However, when he comes with the pony, we shall know; let us take our
guns and the dog Smoker as he wishes."
Humphrey now drove up the pony and cart, and they set off.
"Well, I suppose you'll tell us now what we are going for?" said
Edward.
"Yes, I will. You know I've been watching the cattle for a long while,
because I wanted a cow.
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