His father was absent from dinner and the boy dined alone.

He learned from Dick Sampson that his father had ridden southwards.
* * * * * It was not until Robin had sat down nearly half an hour later than supper-time that the old man came in.

The frost was gone; deep mud had succeeded, and the rider was splashed above his thighs.

He stayed at the fire for his boots to be drawn off and to put on his soft-leather shoes, while Robin stood up dutifully to await him.

Then he came forward, took his seat without a word, and called for supper.