Unless we do this
some of them may take it into their heads to start off in the night
and return to their old home."
A spot was soon chosen between the house and the stream on the
right. The distance was soon measured and marked; and while Hans
carried down the heavy posts one by one on his shoulder, the others
went to work. The soil was soft and rich, and the holes were dug to
the required depth in a shorter time than would have been
considered possible. The wire was stretched and fastened, and
before sunset everything was in readiness. The animals were driven
in, and the entrance, which was narrow, was blocked up with
brushwood from the river. Then followed another half-hour's work in
getting up a small shelter with the cases and some of the felting,
for Mr. Hardy and his sons. By this time all were really tired, and
were glad when Hans summoned them to another meal, this time of one
of the sheep. Then Mr. Hardy, and the boys, taking their mugs of
tea, retired into the shelter prepared for them, and sat and talked
over the events of the day, and as to the work for to-morrow; and
then, wrapping themselves up in their blankets, lay down to sleep,
listening for some time dreamily to the hum of conversation of the
men, who were sitting smoking round the fire, and to the hoarse
roar of the innumerable frogs in the stream below.
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