The cow was very patient.
Dad extended himself for a great effort, but hesitated. Joe called out:
"L-l-ook out th' axe dud-dud-don't fly and gug-gug-get me, Dad!" Dad
glanced quickly at it, and took aim again. Down it came, whish! But the
cow moved, and he only grazed her cheek. She bellowed and pulled back,
and Mother and Sal groaned and let the rope go. The cow swung round and
charged Joe, who was standing with his mouth open. But only a charge of
shot could catch Joe; he mounted the rails like a cat and shook his hat at
the beast below.
After Dad had nearly brained her with a rail the cow was dragged to the
post again; and this time Dad made no mistake. Down she dropped, and,
before she could give her last kick, all of us entered the yard and
approached her boldly. Dad danced about excitedly, asking for the long
knife. Nobody knew where it was. "DAMN it, where is it?" he cried,
impatiently. Everyone flew round in search of it but Joe. HE was curious
to know if the cow was in milk. Dad noticed him; sprang upon him; seized
him by the shirt collar and swung him round and trailed him through the
yard, saying: "Find me th' knife; d' y' HEAR?" It seemed to sharpen
Joe's memory, for he suddenly remembered having stuck it in one of the
rails.
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