"Is it straight on?" questioned Roy, wistfully.
"No, you're goin' away from it."
The lad stood looking down at the two small boys and there was some pity in his tone.
"The little 'un is dead beat. Here—let me hoist you on my back, I'd as lief go to Crockton as anywhere else to-night, and I know every inch of these hills, I've been looking after cattle here since I were a babby! There now, ain't that better?"
Roy was too tired out to resist, though he made a faint protest, and Dudley seeing him comfortably settled on the broad shoulders of the lad, trotted along contentedly by his side.
"How did you find us? Did you hear us shouting?"
"I was trapping some moles close to yer, as ye came on."
"Where do you live? And what's your name?"
"I'm called Rob. I don't live nowheres now. Got chucked out last night!"
And Rob gave a short laugh as he spoke.