"
"I should have put you down for eighteen or nineteen at least. You are
well grown indeed for that age. Well, nothing like a forest life to
turn a boy into a man! Can you stalk a deer?"
"I seldom go out without bringing one down."
"Indeed! That Jacob is a master of his craft, is certain; but you are
young to have learned it so soon. Can you tell the slot of a brocket
from a stag?"
"Yes, and the slot of a brocket from a doe."
"Better still. We must go out together; and besides, I must know where
the old man's cottage is (for I do not exactly), in the first place,
because I may want to come to you, and in the next, that I may put
others on a false scent. Do you know the clump of large oaks which
they call the Clump Royal?"
"Yes, I do."
"Will you meet me there the day after to-morrow, at early dawn?"
"If I live and do well."
"That's enough. Take the dogs in the leashes, and go away now."
"Many thanks; but I must not leave the pony, he is in the stable."
The keeper nodded adieu to Edward, who left him to go to the stable
for the pony. Edward saddled White Billy, and rode away across the
forest with the dogs trotting at the pony's heels.
Edward had much to reflect upon as he rode back to the cottage.
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