Ahe picked a little fresh grass and held it where the lamb could see. He walked slowly toward home. The lamb followed the scent, while Tao left plenty of room beside the path.

At the pen, the two adult sheep looked up. The lamb gave a soft bleat. Tao closed the gate and counted: one, two, three. Ahe's worried forehead finally relaxed.

Then he saw the leaning board. “If we only bring it back, it could get out again.” He set down the basket and fetched rope. “No waiting until tomorrow. We'll mend it now.”