After dinner was over,
Jacob and Edward took their guns, and Humphrey put Billy in the cart
and followed them. They found the bull where they left him, standing
quite still; he tossed, his head when they approached him, which they
did carefully, but he did not attempt to run at them.
"It's my idea that he has nearly bled to death," said Jacob; "but
there's nothing like making sure. Edward, put a bullet just three
inches behind his shoulder, and that will make all safe."
Edward did so, and the animal fell dead. They went up to the carcass,
which they estimated to weigh at least fifty stone.
"It is a noble beast," said Edward; "I wonder we never thought of
killing one before?"
"They aren't game, Edward," replied Jacob.
"No, they are not now, Jacob," said Humphrey; "as you and Edward claim
all the game, I shall claim the cattle as my portion of the forest.
Recollect, there are more, and I mean to have more of them yet."
"Well, Humphrey, I give you up all my rights, if I have any,"
"And I, all mine," added Edward.
"Be it so. Some day you'll see what I shall do," replied Humphrey.
"Recollect, I am to sell the cattle for my own self-advantage until I
buy a gun, and one or two things which I want."
"I agree to that too, Humphrey," replied Jacob; "and now to skin the
beast.
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