Part 28 (1/2)
”Mr. Munson, Richard Munson.”
”d.i.c.k Munson, eh?” returned the man, with increasing interest.
”I'll be going now. Much obliged for directing me, at least,” said Tad, turning away and starting with compa.s.s in hand.
The men said something to each other in a low tone, but Tad paid no attention to them, hurrying away as fast as his weary limbs would carry him.
”Hey, young feller, come back here.”
Tad did so reluctantly.
”Sorry we can't give ye anything to eat. My pardner and I reckon though that ye can milk the goat if ye want to.”
”The goat?”
”Yep. The goat's our milk wagon--she gives milk for the outfit.”
At first he thought they were joking, but Tad suddenly realized that the men were in earnest.
”I--I never milked a goat,” he replied hesitatingly.
”Well, if yer hungry enough ye'll try.”
”Where is the goat?”
”Oh, I dunno. Browsing hereabouts, I reckon. Look her up if ye want to. We ain't got time.”
”Thank you. I'll try.”
”Mebby you'll find her over in that little draw there to the left,”
suggested the miner.
Tad sought the draw and after some search came upon the goat rather unexpectedly. The animal gazed at him suspiciously and moved off when he spoke to her.
Tad coaxed without avail, until finally with a handful of green leaves, that he had pulled from a branch above his head, he managed to excite the animal's interest. While she was nibbling at his offering, Tad patted her and after a time managed to quiet her sufficiently to enable him to get around to one side.
He had milked cows, but this was his first experience at milking a goat. As a result the lad went about his task rather awkwardly.
Holding his cup with the left hand and using the right, he soon filled the cup, gulping down the contents greedily.
”Gracious, that tastes good!” gasped the boy. ”I never knew goat's milk was anything like that. I suppose I can take all I want.”
He helped himself to another and still another cupful, until he felt that he could hold no more.
”Thank you, Mrs. Goat,” he soothed, patting the animal, while she in turn rubbed her nose against his sleeve as much as to say, ”You're welcome. Help yourself if you wish any more.”
”No, thank you, I think I have plenty, but you shall have some more green leaves.”
Tad pulled down branch after branch which he piled up in front of the goat, and which she attacked with vigorous nibbles and tugs.