"He will do now," said Edward; "we must give him time to recover
himself. Now then, let us examine our quarry. Why, Humphrey, what a
quantity of meat we have here! It will take three journeys to
Lymington at least."
"Yes, and no time to lose, for the weather is getting warm already,
Edward. Now what to do? Will you remain while I go home for the cart?"
"Yes, it's no use both going; I will stay here and watch poor Smoker,
and take off the skins ready by the time you are back again. Leave me
your knife as well as my own, for one will soon be blunt."
Humphrey gave his knife to Edward, and taking up his gun, set off for
the cottage. Edward had skinned two of the bulls before Humphrey's
return; and Smoker, although he evidently was in great pain, was on
his legs again. As soon as they had finished and quartered the beasts,
the cart was loaded and they returned home; they had to return a
second time, and both the pony and they were very tired before they
sat down to supper They found the gipsy boy very much recovered and in
good spirits. Alice said that he had been amusing Edith and her by
tossing up three potatoes at a time, and playing them like balls; and
that he has spun a platter upon an iron skewer and balanced it on his
chin.
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