We shan't have done by Lady Day." "And last year 'twer all over by Sexajessamine Sunday," Joseph remarked.
"Bring on the rest Cain," said Gabriel, "and then run back to the ewes.

I'll follow you soon." Cainy Ball--a cheery-faced young lad, with a small circular orifice by way of mouth, advanced and deposited two others, and retired as he was bidden.

Oak lowered the lambs from their unnatural elevation, wrapped them in hay, and placed them round the fire.
"We've no lambing-hut here, as I used to have at Norcombe," said Gabriel, "and 'tis such a plague to bring the weakly ones to a house.
If 'twasn't for your place here, malter, I don't know what I should do i' this keen weather.

And how is it with you to-day, malter ?" "Oh, neither sick nor sorry, shepherd; but no younger." "Ay--I understand." "Sit down, Shepherd Oak," continued the ancient man of malt.

"And how was the old place at Norcombe, when ye went for your dog?
I should like to see the old familiar spot; but faith, I shouldn't know a soul there now." "I suppose you wouldn't.