he herd, which formed a closed
phalanx about a quarter of a mile distant. Edward then turned to where
his brother was, and perceived that the bull had not made off with the
rest of the cattle, but was within thirty yards of Humphrey, and
advancing upon him, and that Humphrey was standing up beside the tree
with his gun ready to fire. Humphrey fired, and, as it appeared, he
also missed his aim; the animal made at him; but Humphrey, with great
quickness, dropped his gun, and, swinging by the lower boughs, was into
the tree, and out of the bull's reach, in a moment. Edward smiled when
he perceived that Humphrey was safe; but still he was a prisoner, for
the bull went round and round the tree roaring and looking up at
Humphrey. Edward thought a minute, then loaded his gun and ordered
Smoker to run in to the bull. The dog, who had only been restrained by
Edward's keeping him down at his feet, sprang forward to the attack.
Edward had intended, by calling to the dog, to induce the bull to follow
it till within gunshot; but before the bull had been attacked, Edward
observed that one or two more of the bulls had left the herd, and were
coming at a rapid pace towards him. Under these circumstances, Edward
perceived that his only chance was to climb into a tree himself, which
he did, taking good care to take his gun and ammunition with him.
Having safely fixed himself in a forked bough, Edward then surveyed the
position of the parties. There was Humphrey in the tree, without his
gun. The bull who had pursued Humphrey was now running at Smoker, who
appeared to be aware that he was to decoy the bull towards Edward, for
he kept retreating towards him. In the meantime the two other bulls
were quite close at hand, mingling their bellowing and roaring with the
first; and one of them as near to Edward as the first bull, which was
engaged with Smoker. At last one of the advancing bulls stood still,
pawing the ground as if disappointed at not finding an enemy, not forty
yards from where Edward was perched. Edward took good aim, and when he
fired the bull fell dead. Edward was reloading his piece when he heard
a howl, and looking round saw Smoker flying up in the air, having been
tossed by the first bull; and at the same time he observed that Humphrey
had descended from the tree, recovered his gun, and was now safe again
upon the lower bough. The first bull was advancing again to attack
Smoker, who appeared incapable of getting a