"I wonder if I could catch him."
"Not likely."
"I'll try."
Theodore crept cautiously towards the black lamb, which immediately ran away bleating in search of its mother. Jack laughed; but the farmer called to Theodore not to worry the sheep, so he desisted, and returned to his stepbrother.
Mr. Fry disappeared from sight behind a large block of granite in one corner of the field; and when he reappeared he was carrying something in his arms, whilst Help, the sheep-dog, followed close at his heels.
"I wonder what he has found?" Theodore exclaimed. "Why, I do believe it's a little lamb!"
A lamb it was, only a few hours old. The farmer explained that its mother had two others besides, and three was one too many for her to care for. He meant to take this little creature home for his wife to bring up by hand.
"Oh, please do let me carry it!" Jack cried, as he smoothed its woolly coat with a gentle touch.
"No, Jack," said Theodore quickly; "I had better carry it, for I am much stronger than you."
"But it is not heavy, is it?" Jack asked, appealing to Mr. Fry.