"
The man drew.
"I have the longest," he said, "and perhaps it were best that it should
be so, for I know the way thoroughly, having often been over the hills
in search of missing cattle."
"You will both remain here, till we come. Now, what food have you?"
"We bought a supply in Parton, yesterday evening, and have enough for a
week; for we thought that some might be needed by the whole party, on
our way; and moreover, we care not to go down often to the town, as we
might attract attention."
"That is good. Keep enough for tomorrow, for yourselves; I will take
the rest."
"There is no need for that. We can get what we want from the house and,
tomorrow evening, one of us will go down into Parton again."
"Or better still," Oswald said, "give the money to the hind here. I
suppose there is one."
"Yes; he sleeps in the house."
"Give him money, then, and a present for himself, and get him to fetch
it for you. Some of the Bairds may remain there, and you may be sure
that every stranger will be strictly questioned. I want also the four
horse cloths, which please make into a bundle. Is your water skin
full?"
"We filled it this afternoon, thinking it possible that we might make a
hasty start tonight.
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