"What on earth could have brought that on?" she gasped.
"I don't know. Maybe hunters started the herd and it just didn't stop."
"How terribly close!"
"Too close!"
Tad asked eagerly, "Can I take the rifle and go see my buffalo, Pa?"
"Go ahead."
He watched closely while Tad climbed out of the wagon and Mike leaped after him. Before leaving the wagon's shelter, Tad reloaded the rifle and Joe nodded approvingly. Tad was no fool. The buffalo was down, but nobody had proved that it could not get up and Tad wanted to be ready if it did. Joe continued to watch, not joining Tad because this rightly belonged to him. It was a prize worthy of note, and because he himself had brought it down, it would help shape Tad's manhood if nobody else interfered. Joe gave the youngster time to reach and admire his game, then swung the mules to follow.
Barbara shuddered, but braced herself. "Can I help you with it, Daddy?"
Joe said gently, "I don't think so, Bobby."
"Then I'll take the youngsters for a walk. It will keep them out of mischief."