to be caught by the cow, and
managed to take all the milk he required. Several others were brought
up in the same fashion. Two who had been looking on, seeing that,
whatever they might do, they would have to submit at last, walked up
quietly and poked their heads into "the bail."

"I should like to try and milk a cow," exclaimed Reginald, who felt
ambitious to imitate his cousins' example and make himself useful.

"We have two more heifers to milk, and you shall try; but I don't think
you will succeed at first," said Paul.

Reginald was determined to make an attempt. As the heifer showed no
great inclination to submit to the process--being accompanied by her
calf--she was caught by the horns, quickly dragged up to "the bail," and
leg-roped. Here she stood quietly enough while Paul stroked her, patted
her back, and scratched her about the ears.

"Now, Reginald!" cried Paul, "get your stool and milk-pail, and try what
you can do." Neither Paul nor his cousin had observed that the calf--
only a few weeks old--which had remained on the other side of the yard,
had been stamping and pawing the ground, and exhibiting other signs of
indignation at seeing its mother made captive.

Reginald, with sleeves tucked up and eager face, commenced trying to
milk, but not a drop could he produce. Suddenly, uttering a loud cry,
the calf, with head lowered, made a dash across the yard, sending
Reginald flying in one direction, his milk-pail and stool in others, to
the great amusement of the lookers-on. Reginald picked himself up, not
being really hurt; and although he at first looked very frightened, he
soon recovered his equanimity.

"Now, Reginald," said Paul, "you will very likely succeed better this
time. Try again."

Reginald had plenty of spirit, and getting the pail and stool, once more
sat himself down; and Paul showing him how to work, he managed to draw
milk from the heifer.

"Capital!" cried Paul; "but you had better let me finish--one cannot
tell how long she may stay quiet."

At breakfast Hector and Reginald gave very different versions of the
milking business of the morning. Hector described it as "a nasty,
disgusting affair;" while Reginald declared "that it was very good fun,
and that he was proud of his own performance, in spite of his
misadventure."

CHAPTER FOUR.

PETS--A RAMBLE THROUGH THE SCRUB--ROB ACTS THE HERO--SEES A LURKING
BLACK--THE PARTY HURRY HOMEWARDS--ALARMING INTELLIGENCE BROUGHT B