FLETCHER HILL There came a sound of hoofs thudding over the pastures.

Robin lifted his eyebrows and cocked his ears with a growl.
Dot barely glanced up from the saucepan she was cleaning; her lips tightened a little, that was all.
The hoofs drew rapidly nearer, dropping from a canter to a quick trot that ended in a clattering walk on the stones of the yard.

Through the open window Dot heard the heavy thud of a man's feet as he jumped to the ground.
Then came Jack's voice upraised in greeting.

"Hallo, Fletcher! Come in, man! Come in! Delighted to see you." The voice that spoke in answer was short and clipped.

Somehow it had an official sound.