`` Why not , little fuss-button ? '' demanded Dan . `` I do n't think Uncle Fritz would like it . '' `` Did he ever say we must not have a bull-fight ? '' `` No , I do n't think he ever did , '' admitted Demi . `` Then hold your tongue . Drive on , Tom , and here 's a red rag to flap at the old thing . I 'll help you to stir her up , '' and over the wall went Dan , full of the new game , and the rest followed like a flock of sheep ; even Demi , who sat upon the bars , and watched the fun with interest . Poor Buttercup was not in a very good mood , for she had been lately bereft of her calf , and mourned for the little thing most dismally . Just now she regarded all mankind as her enemies -LRB- and I do not blame her -RRB- , so when the matadore came prancing towards her with the red handkerchief flying at the end of his long lance , she threw up her head , and gave a most appropriate `` Moo ! '' Tommy rode gallantly at her , and Toby recognizing an old friend , was quite willing to approach ; but when the lance came down on her back with a loud whack , both cow and donkey were surprised and disgusted . Toby back with a bray of remonstrance , and Buttercup lowered her horns angrily . `` At her again , Tom ; she 's jolly cross , and will do it capitally ! '' called Dan , coming up behind with another rod , while Jack and Ned followed his example . Seeing herself thus beset , and treated with such disrespect , Buttercup trotted round the field , getting more and more bewildered and excited every moment , for whichever way she turned , there was a dreadful boy , yelling and brandishing a new and very disagreeable sort of whip . It was great fun for them , but real misery for her , till she lost patience and turned the tables in the most unexpected manner . All at once she wheeled short round , and charged full at her old friend Toby , whose conduct cut her to the heart . Poor slow Toby backed so precipitately that he tripped over a stone , and down went horse , matadore , and all , in one ignominious heap , while distracted Buttercup took a surprising leap over the wall , and galloped wildly out of sight down the road . `` Catch her , stop her , head her off ! run , boys , run ! ''
shouted Dan , tearing after her at his best pace , for she was Mr. Bhaer 's pet Alderney , and if anything happened to her , XXXXX feared it would be all over with him .
Buttercup Dan Demi Jack Moo Ned Tom flap fuss-button matadore