what noise is that I hear? There is some trouble among the sheep."

"Let me run and see," answers the boy, "and I will come and bring you
word."

So saying, Joseph cast off his father's shaggy coat, seized the sling
in his left hand and the crook in his right and ran swiftly out to the
brow of the hill. He was a strong lad, large of frame and a swift
runner, and the sling in his hand was a sure weapon. The old man
looked after him with pride, as he bounded over the rocks, and said to
himself:

"Some evil beast, I doubt not. But the lad's heart is brave and he
must learn to face dangers. I will wait a moment."

Presently the sheep came huddling round the hill in terror. The quick,
faint bleat of the ewes showed that they had seen a foe. The old man
arose and hurried in the direction in which the lad had disappeared.
Joseph was just returning, breathless, from the ravine below.

"It was a wolf, grandfather. The sheep on this side of the ledge had
seen him and were flying. Just as I reached the brow of the hill, he
was creeping round the end of the ledge below, ready to spring upon a
ewe that was feeding near. The first thing he knew a stone from my
sling hit him, and he went howling down the hill. I think I broke his
leg, for he went on three legs and I gained on him as I ran after him;
but he crawled into a narrow place among the rocks in the gorge down
yonder, and I could not follow him."

"Well done, my lad," said the ancient Stephanus proudly. "You will