Page:Through South Westland.djvu/251

Rh We found some dry litter; and once upon a time there had been two bunks there, but most of the slats had been used for firewood by the rabbiters. Transome settled himself on the floor in his bag, and was asleep in a few minutes; fortunately the sleeping-bags and rugs were dry. I collected some slats lying about, and repaired one bunk, which stood just below the frameless window-opening.

And now a new cause of disquietude presented itself. All the cattle on the flat had collected round the hut in a wild state of excitement, and their appetite for dry goods seemed insatiable. So harness and everything had to be brought inside—and I just rescued my towel and bathing-dress from a hungry cow; nor would the door keep shut, and a moist nose was constantly pushed in, to be withdrawn in haste after receiving a sounding slap with a stick. Time after time I drove them away, only to find in five minutes the herd was ramping round again—especially one white heifer, which seemed determined to evict us, and tossed her long horns angrily when I sallied out. I lay down on the improvised bunk, but the moment I moved, bang! out fell the bottom! then peace reigned for a little; then the cows came back, wandering round and round, trying to get in, and seizing whatever they could find—and my uneasy slumbers were constantly interrupted. Transome seemed to sleep through it all, and at last, towards morning, I too fell into a sound slumber. But gradually there grew upon me