The Search

With previous experience Tom and Shane search all known places the sheep have been. Everywhere they go there are three sets of footprints, not four. All through the long day Pinto, Louise and the lamb watch Tom's movements from high above the lodge. As sunset comes, Tom hikes the hill to see them. As he gets within fifteen feet of them, there is a smell coming from them and the lamb is still calling out. Pinto and Louise act as if it's over. Mothers don't leave their babies. When the chill of darkness comes to the land, instead of leaving for the night to go someplace warm, they stand above the lodge as if refusing to return to their nightly haunt. When morning comes, at first light, Tom will track where they spent the night.