They had the reputation of being "people well-to-do," but they were not liked among the Cumberland "states-men," who had small sympathy for their niggardly hospitality and petty deeds of injustice.
One night in early autumn Christopher was sitting at the great black oak table counting over the proceeds of the Kendal market, and Matt and Sam looked greedily on.

There was some dispute about the wool and the number of sheep, and Matt said angrily, "There's summat got to be done about Davie.

He's just a clish-ma-saunter, lying among the ling wi' a book in his hand the lee-long day.

It is just miff-maff and nonsense letting him go any longer to the schoolmaster.

I am fair jagged out wi' his ways." "That's so," said Sam.
"Then why don't you gie the lad a licking, and make him mind the sheep better?
I saw him last Saturday playing sogers down at Thirlston with a score or more of idle lads like himsel'." The old man spoke irritably, and looked round for the culprit.