So he and his shepherds crouched behind the hurdles, and watched the party, who were approaching all unconscious.

Why should that old guinea-fowl be lying out in the hedge just at this particular moment of all the year?
Who can say?
Guinea-fowls always are; so are all other things, animals, and persons, requisite for getting one into scrapes--always ready when any mischief can come of them.

At any rate, just under East's nose popped out the old guinea-hen, scuttling along and shrieking, "Come back, come back," at the top of her voice.

Either of the other three might perhaps have withstood the temptation, but East first lets drive the stone he has in his hand at her, and then rushes to turn her into the hedge again.

He succeeds, and then they are all at it for dear life, up and down the hedge in full cry, the "Come back, come back," getting shriller and fainter every minute.
Meantime, the farmer and his men steal over the hurdles and creep down the hedge towards the scene of action.