so clearly as the last act in the struggle : it stood passive, 

 and apparently beaten, while the boys inspanned it again. 

 But at the first call to the team to start, and without 

 a touch to provoke its temper again, it dropped down 

 once more. Not one of all those looking on would 

 have believed it possible ; but there it was ! In the 

 most deliberate manner the challenge was again flung 

 down, and the whole fight begun afresh. 



We felt really desperate : one could think of nothing 

 but to repeat the bucket trick ; for it was the only one 

 that had succeeded at all. The bucket had been flung 

 aside on the stones as the ox freed itself, and one of 

 the boys picked it up to fetch more water. But no 

 more was needed : the rattle of the bucket brought 

 Bantom to his feet with a terrified jump, and flinging 

 his whole weight into the yoke, he gave the waggon a 

 heave that started the whole span, and they went out 

 at a run. The drivers had not even picked up their 

 whips : the only incentive applied was the bucket, 

 which the boy grasping the position at once 

 rattled vigorously behind Bantom, doubling his frantic 

 eagerness to get away, amid shouts of encouragement 

 and laughter from the watching group. 



The trials and lessons of the work came in various 

 shapes and at every turn ; and there were many trials 

 where the lesson was not easy to read. It would have 

 taken a good man to handle Bantom, at- any time- 

 even in the beginning ; but, full-grown, and confirmed 

 in his evil ways, only the butcher could make anything 

 out of him. 



And only the butcher did ! 



