"Humphrey," said Edward, "one thing is clear--as the herd is placed at
present, we must have a bull or nothing. It is impossible to get
within shot of the others without passing a bull, and depend upon it,
our passage will be disputed; and moreover the herd will take to
flight, and we shall get nothing at all."
"Well," replied Humphrey, "beef is beef; and, as they say, beggars
must not be choosers, so let it be a bull if it must be so."
"Let us get nearer to them, and then we will decide what we shall do.
Steady, Smoker!"
They advanced gradually, hiding from tree to tree, until they were
within eighty yards of one of the bulls. The animal did not perceive
them, and as they were now within range, they again stepped behind the
tree to consult.
"Now, Edward, I think that it would be best to separate. You can fire
from where we are, and I will crawl through the fern, and get behind
another tree."
"Very well, do so," replied Edward: "if you can manage, get to that
tree with the low branches, and then perhaps you will be within shot
of the white bull, which is coming down in this direction. Smoker, lie
down! He can not go with you, Humphrey; it will not be safe."
The distance of the tree which Humphrey ventured to get to was one
about one hundred and fifty yards from where Edward was standing.
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