All three were well horsed on strong, round-barrelled cobs; and to be well horsed was to be in better spirits about Long-Ash Lane than poor pedestrians could attain to during its passage.
But the farmer did not talk much to his friend as he rode along.

The enterprise which had brought him there filled his mind; for in truth it was important.

Not altogether so important was it, perhaps, when estimated by its value to society at large; but if the true measure of a deed be proportionate to the space it occupies in the heart of him who undertakes it, Farmer Charles Darton's business to-night could hold its own with the business of kings.
He was a large farmer.

His turnover, as it is called, was probably thirty thousand pounds a year.

He had a great many draught horses, a great many milch cows, and of sheep a multitude.