He grew less discursive when they fell in with his suggestion. George
possessed sound sense and some power of leading, and for a while they
were busy elaborating a plan of campaign, in which his advice was
largely deferred to. Then there was an interruption, for Grierson, his
hired man, came in.

"I was hauling hay from the big sloo when I saw the Hereford bull," he
said. "He was by himself and bleeding from the shoulder. Thought I'd
better bring him home, though he walked very lame."

"Ah!" exclaimed George sharply. "I'll come and look at him."

The others followed and on reaching the wire-fenced corral they found
the animal lying down, with its forequarter stained with blood. George
sent for some water, and he soon found the wound, which was very small
and round.

"It's a curious mark," Hardie commented.

"Yes," said George; "it's a bullet hole."

The surprise of the others was obvious.

"I think it's a hint," George explained. "We'll try to get him on his
feet."

They succeeded, and when the beast had been led into a stall, George
turned to Hardie.

"As you said you wouldn't stay the night, would you mind starting for