"This path evidently wasn't made by the socially inclined," he said.
"It wasn't. It was made originally by the cattle which pastured here--and do so still," she added, as they passed a copse of trees and undergrowth and came upon a herd of a dozen cows with a brawny bull at their head.
The latter, at the sight of the two strangers who were invading his domain, flung up his head and stared at them with a distinctly hostile air.
"His Majesty does not seem pleased with us!" she laughed.
"No--I should say we don't make a favorable impression, judging from his attitude," he answered, glancing carelessly toward the animals.
"He's not properly appreciative of the honor you do him, Mr. Porshinger," she remarked.
He did not quite like the words--he thought he detected just a touch of irony; but she flashed him a smile from her lash-shaded eyes, and the suspicion vanished.
"He doesn't want any one poaching on his pasture," he said.
The bull suddenly put down its head, pawed the earth, and bellowed.
"I think we would better hurry," she remarked, quickening her step.
"It's only a protest!" he laughed. "He is like the average man--he makes plenty of fuss and racket but doesn't do anything that _will really_ correct the trouble. And the trouble continues--just as we are doing."
Another bellow, and fiercer, came from the bull--and he began to trot slowly toward them.
"He's coming!" exclaimed Stephanie, beginning to run.
"Make for the nearest fence!" counselled Porshinger, and stopped.
The bull kept straight on until he was within a few feet of Porshinger--then he paused, pawed the earth again, and let out another bellow.
Stephanie, glancing over her shoulder, saw the situation and halted.
"Get over the fence!" he answered sharply, not taking his eyes off the angry beast.
The rest was drowned in the voice of the bull. He let out a terrific roar and charged straight at the man before him.
Porshinger sprang swiftly aside--and the bull tossed the air instead of the man. When his head came up he saw only Stephanie in front of him, and bellowing again he bore down upon her at full speed.
"Run! Run!" cried Porshinger, as he raced across the field in pursuit.
"_Run!_" yelled Porshinger again. "_For the love of God, run!_"