Part 5 (1/2)
”Sure. Always to see that there's a tree in a field before trying to cross over,” said the other, quickly.
”Well, that's a good motto, I suppose,” remarked Elmer; ”but that wasn't what I meant. You know now that many times the longest way around is the shortest way to the fire. After this you'll think twice before taking a short cut.”
”I'll squint around for anything in the shape of a bull, anyway,”
chuckled Ty.
The animal had succeeded in demolis.h.i.+ng the offensive garment by this time, and as if to show his utter contempt for the whole bunch of boys, he started to crop the short, sweet gra.s.s where he happened to be standing. Whenever he came upon a tattered fragment of the illy treated sweater, he would give it a toss, utter a defiant bellow, paw the ground a little, and then calmly resume his feeding.
But doubtless all the while he was watching the boys beyond the fence out of a corner of his eye. Elmer knew that this must be so, for he noticed that the animal always kept his head turned toward them.
”He vas as mad as some hornets,” remarked Adam, who seemed to be particularly interested in the actions of the bull, for he kept peering through the fence. ”Aber I haf a red sweater I vould see if he likes to yump at me. Oxcuse me, Elmer, put let me haf de loan off dis.”
He deftly took the bandana handkerchief from the hands of the patrol leader, as Elmer was about to fasten it once more around his own neck; for he had used it to attract the attention of the bull, it may be remembered, when at the other side of the field; and events had followed so rapidly since, that he had not found a chance to replace the handkerchief where it belonged.
”Hold on, no foolish business, Adam!” cried Elmer, clutching a leg of the German as he started to mount the fence.
”Nein! I haf no vish to get me a grafeyard in kevick,” Adam declared.
”Only I vould like to see if dot pad egg oudt in der field vould run at me like he dood at Ty. You pet my life I vill not yump _inside_ de fence; and dot's no choke, Elmer.”
Accordingly, Elmer released his clutch, and the stout German climbed nimbly to the top of the fence. Here he began to wave the handkerchief in the most brazen manner, at the same time calling out defiantly at the animal.
At first the bull refused to listen, but kept on grazing; though doubtless the sight of the hated color was working upon him.
”See him edging this way, would you, the sly old sinner!” called Landy.
”He's getting ready for a rush,” remarked Elmer.
”Look out, Adam; be ready to drop off there!” cried Landy.
”And be thure not to take the wrong thide, or you'll be in for it!”
admonished Ted, a little nervously.
Suddenly the beast threw off the mask, so to speak. He made a plunge, and was immediately in motion, coming with lowered head on the full run, and heading for the spot where Adam stood on the fence flaunting that flag of defiance.
”He's off!” yelled Landy. ”Jump, Adam, before he knocks you into the field! Oh, ain't he just the limit, though; and as mad as they make 'em!
Jump, why don't you? Elmer make him come down! Perhaps he's got his foot caught, and can't drop out!”
CHAPTER V.
A DOUBLE-ACTION JOKE.
”JUMP, Adam!” called Elmer.
The German had waited as long as he dared, and as if the voice of the patrol leader gave him the sign, he suddenly made a backward spring, turned a somersault in the air, just as he had done from the springboard when swimming, and landed squarely on his feet.
Cras.h.!.+