"
"With all my heart, Edward; I think it will be very hard if, with our
two guns and Smoker to back us, we do not manage to be masters of the
field. However, we must survey well before we make our approach; and
if we can get within shot without alarming or irritating them, we, of
course, will do so."
"The bulls are very savage at this spring time," observed Edward.
"They are so at all times, as far as I can see of them," replied
Humphrey; "but we are near to them now, I should think--yes, there is
the herd."
"There they are, sure enough," replied Edward; "now we have not to do
with deer, and need not to be so very cautious; but still the animals
are wary, and keep a sharp look-out. We must approach them quietly, by
slipping from tree to tree. Smoker, to heel!--down---quiet, Smoker!--
good dog!"
Edward and Humphrey stopped to load their guns, and then approached
the herd in manner which had been proposed, and were very soon within
two hundred yards of the cattle, behind a large oak, when they stopped
to reconnoiter. The herd contained about seventy head of cattle, of
various sizes and ages. They were feeding in all directions,
scattered, as the young grass was very short; but although the herd
was spread over many acres of land, Edward pointed out to Humphrey
that all the full-grown large bulls were on the outside, as if ready
to defend the others in case of attack.
Pages:
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178