Several people had just descended from it; and were making preparations for an early picnic lunch.

One of them had finished depositing a basket on the ground, at the side of the car farthest from the strip of sward where the others were spreading a sea-rug and setting an impromptu table.
The man put the basket down in the road.

Then he dived back into the nether regions of the machine for more provender.

And he was engaged in this groping when Lad came in view, around a bend.
The big collie saw the basket standing there, unprotected and, so far as he knew, ownerless.

Gravely he stepped forward, lifted the heavy receptacle by the handle and turned about with it; still moving with dignified slowness.