The cow, a large, powerful-looking animal, had indeed quitted its corner and was advancing purposefully in their direction. Its head was swaying curiously from side to side and it was emitting a noise not unlike the hoot of a steamer.
“My God!” Alec shouted suddenly. “That isn’t a cow; it’s a bull! Run like hell!”
Roger needed no second invitation; he set off at top speed in the wake of the flying Alec. The bull, observing this disappointing procedure, thundered after them. It was an exciting race while it lasted.
The result, some six seconds later, was as follows:
- Mr. A. Grierson.
- Mr. R. Sheringham.
- Bull.
Distance between first and second, ten yards; between second and third, one five-barred gate (taken by the second in his stride).
- Mr. A. Grierson.
- Mr. R. Sheringham.
- Bull.
“’Strewth!” Roger observed with feeling, and collapsed incontinently into a ditch.
A hoarse and grating noise caused them to look up. The noise emanated from the ancient. He was laughing.
“Nearly ’ad you that time, gents,” he croaked joyfully. “Ain’t seen him go fer anyone like that not since he went fer that Mr. Stanfoerth, or whatever ’e calls ’isself—’im from Layton Court. I ought to ’ave warned ’ee. You want ter be very careful o’ that there Prince John.”