“Yes; and its legs must not touch the ground.”
“But hadn’t you better let us chuck it across the back of the horse?”
“No. Now, together. Lift,” cried the doctor; and as this was done the sheep gave a dismal bleat, and hung from the pole, with its head and legs out,—a ridiculous-looking object, which made Nic smile, but Brookes’s face made the smile expand, so soured and puckered did it become, for the sheep was heavy, the farm buildings were some distance away, and the sun was coming down hot as the two men strode away, Leather looking heavy and stern, but apparently ready to undertake any amount of work.
“You can ride, Nic,” said the doctor, as the boy fetched up the horse.
“But my fishing-rod and line, father?”
“Where are they?”
“Down yonder, by one of the pools.”
“Oh, then you must go that way home.”
“Yes, father, and I have two fish.”
“Well done.”