When John returned, Will, making a known signal to the dogs, ordered them
to bring in the sheep, that they might be penned for the night; and John,
to his surprise, saw the two dogs instantly set off to execute their task,
with extraordinary sagacity. The sheep were scattered all about the side
of the hill; and the dogs _wore_ them in (for such is the word used to
express this curious operation), by running all round the outside of the
flock, barking, and driving the stragglers towards the centre, but never
hurting one of them; and thus, at length, every sheep was got safe into
the fold; the shepherd merely overlooking his dogs, and giving them, from
time to time, the necessary word of command. "You are surprised," said
Will, "to see the dogs understand so well what I say to them. They have
been well-trained, and are of a particular breed, only common on these
hills. I can make them bring me any one particular sheep that I describe
to them out of the flock directly. We never should be able to bear the
fatigue, if we had not these faithful creatures with us. The going up and
down the hills so often after the sheep, would wear out any man's
strength, long before the day was over. You will soon learn the way of
managing them; and they, in time, will become accustomed to your voice. At
present, they know the sheep, and will allow no harm to happen to them."

Will now sent John home, as he himself was to remain till the other
shepherd came to his relief. John reached the farm, when it was nearly
dark, and having washed his face and hands, set out for the Manse. He
found Mr. Martin waiting for him in the study. "Well, John, how do you
like herding?" asked he, as his young scholar entered the room. "Very
well, Sir; much better, indeed, than I expected: the shepherd has been
very kind to me, and shown me every thing I have to do; and I think, Sir,
I shall be able very soon to learn the business." "I have no doubt, if you
take pains, you will very soon do so; but come, let us begin our evening
task." When this was over, John asked how Miss Helen was. "She is much