I was most afraid of the women, who with their long claws would have scratched my eyes out, and I knew they would not spare the girl.

To her I turned anxiously, and, to my amazement, she was laughing.

She recognized me, for she cried out, "Is this the way to Kirknewton, sir ?" And all the time she shook with merriment.

In that hour I thought her as daft as the Sweet-Singers, whose nails were uncommonly near my cheek.
I got her bridle, tumbled over the countryman with a kick, and forced her to the edge of the sheepfold.

But she wheeled round again, crying, "I must have Janet," and faced the crowd with her whip.