Do not
fire, however, until I tell you. We must be governed by circumstances.
It won't do to lose the pony, or to run any serious risk, for the sake
of the heifer and calf. Drive fast, Humphrey."
A few minutes afterward they perceived, at about a quarter of a mile
behind them, not the whole herd, but a single bull, who was coming up
at a fast trot, with his tail in the air, and tossing his head, lowing
deeply in answer to the heifer.
"There's only one, after all," said Jacob; "I suppose the heifer is
his favorite. Well, we can manage him. Smoker, come in. Come in, sir,
directly," cried Jacob, perceiving that the dog was about to attack
the bull.
Smoker obeyed, and the bull advanced till he was within a hundred
yards.
"Now, Edward, do you fire first--aim for his shoulder. Humphrey, pull
up."
Humphrey stopped the pony and the bull continued to advance, but
seemed puzzled who to attack, unless it was the dog. As soon as the
bull was within sixty yards, Edward fired, and the animal fell down on
its knees, tearing the ground with its horns.
"That will do," said Jacob; "drive on again, Humphrey; we will have a
look at that fellow by-and-by. At present we had better get home, as
others may come. He's up again, but he is at a stand-still.
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