I have been in a tree when they have passed
under me several times, and I observed that one or two of the heifers
were very near calving. Yesterday evening I thought one could not help
calving very soon indeed, and as I was watching, I saw that she was
uneasy, and that she at last left the herd and went into a little
copse of wood. I remained three hours to see if she came out again,
and she did, not. It was dark when I came home, as you know. This
morning I went before daylight and found the herd. She is very
remarkable, being black and white spotted; and, after close
examination, I found that she was not with the herd; so I am sure that
she went into the copse to calve, and that she has calved before
this."
"Well, that may be," replied Jacob; "but now I do not understand what
we are to do."
"Nor I," replied Edward.
"Well, then, I'll tell you what I hope to do. I have got the pony and
cart to take the calf home with us, if we can get it--which I think we
can. I have got Smoker to worry the heifer and keep her employed,
while we put the calf in the cart; a rope that we may tie the cow if
we can; and you with your guns must keep off the herd if they come to
her assistance. Now do you understand my plan?"
"Yes, and I think it very likely to succeed, Humphrey," replied Jacob,
"and I give you credit for the scheme.
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