“Well, my idea is working,” said Jack after a bit.
"Yes,” said Mike, “but I’m jolly glad it’s only one cow we’re taking, not a whole herd!”
They said no more till they came in sight of the island, which loomed up near by, black and solid. The girls had heard the splashing of the oars, and had come down to the beach with a candle.
“Have you got the cow, Jack?” they called.
“Yes,” shouted back the boys. “She’s come along behind beautifully. But she doesn’t like it, poor creature!”
They pulled the boat up the beach and then dragged out the shivering, frightened cow. Jack spoke to her kindly and she pressed against him in wonder and fear. He was the one thing she knew, and she wanted to be close to him. Jack told Mike to get a sack and help him to rub the cow down, for she was cold and wet.
“Where shall we put her for to-night?” asked Mike.
“In the hen-yard,” said Jack. “She’s used to hens and hens are used to her. There is a lot of bracken and heather there and we can put some more armfuls in for her to lie on. She will soon be warm and comfortable. She will like to hear the clucking of the hens, too.”
So Daisy was pushed into the hen-yard, and there she lay down on the warm heather, comforted by the sound of the disturbed hens.
The girls were so excited at seeing the cow. They asked the boys over and over again all about their adventure till Mike and Jack were tired of telling it.