derstand what we
are to do."

"Nor I," replied Edward.

"Well then, I'll tell you what I hope to do. I have got the pony and
cart to take the calf home with us, if we can get it--which I think we
can. I have got Smoker to worry the heifer and keep her employed while
we put the calf in the cart; a rope that we may tie the cow, if we can;
and you with your guns must keep off the herd, if they come to her
assistance. Now do you understand my plan?"

"Yes, and I think it very likely to succeed, Humphrey," replied Jacob,
"and I give you credit for the scheme. We will help you all we can.
Where is the copse?"

"Not half a mile farther," replied Humphrey. "We shall soon be there."

On their arrival they found that the herd were feeding at a considerable
distance from the copse, which was perhaps as well.

"Now," said Jacob, "I and Edward will enter into the copse with Smoker,
and you follow us, Humphrey. I will make Smoker seize the heifer if
necessary; at all events, he will keep her at bay--that is, if she is
here. First let us walk round the copse and find her _slot_ as we call
the track of a deer. See, here is her footing. Now let us go in."

They advanced cautiously into the thicket, following the track of the
heifer, and at last came upon her. Apparently she had not calved more
than an hour, and was licking the calf which was not yet on its legs.
As soon as the animal perceived Jacob and Edward, she shook her head,
and was about to run at them; but Jacob told Smoker to seize her, and
the dog flew at her immediately. The attack of the dog drove back the
heifer quite into the thicket, and as the dog bounded round her,
springing this way and that way to escape her horns, the heifer was soon
separated from the calf.

"Now then, Edward and Humphrey," said Jacob, advancing between the
heifer and the calf, "lift up the calf between you and put it in the
cart. Leave Smoker and me to manage the mother."

The boys put their arms under the stomach of the calf, and carried it
away. The heifer was at first too busy defending herself against the
dog to perceive that the calf was gone; when she did Jacob called Smoker
to him, so as to bring him between the heifer and where the boys were
going out of the thicket. At last the heifer gave a loud bellow, and
rushed out of the thicket in pursuit of her calf checked by Smoker, who
held on to her ear, and sometimes stopped her from advancing.

"Hold her, Smoker," sai