“Which? those on the run or in the stable?”

“On the run?”

“Yes. They’re miles away, and you’d want to ride.”

“Well, in the stable.”

“This way, then; but won’t you come and see my garden first? I’ve got real apple trees a-growing.”

“I’ll see the garden after. I want to look how Sour Sorrel is.”

“Fresh as a daisy, sir.”

“I want to feed him.”

“You should have got up sooner, Mister Nic. I fed the horses more’n hour ago, and rubbed ’em down. Do you like Sorrel?” said Samson, showing his teeth.

“Like him!” cried Nic, with a voice intense in its appreciation.