At this moment came in Mat from the fells with a flushed face; and pulling down his open forehead by the front curl, by way of bow, he stood, cap in hand, evidently with something to say.
"Well, Mat, my man," said his teacher in his kindest tone, "what cheer from the fells?"
"We've brought the sheep all down to the lower fells, because there's snow in the cloud over Rowter."
"Did Miles help you?"
"Nae; 'twas Chance and I. But Chance did it all. I'm sure he saw the storm coming, he looked so all around, and sniffed, and began at the sheep before I set him. But there are two men yon, who want Miles."
"What like are the men?" asked the widow uneasily. "And what do they want of Miles?"
"They said he was bound to meet them in the Gap, and he didn't come, so they want to know if he is in the house."
"Did you bid them in, Mat? I would as lief know who my son's friends may be."
"They said they would bide without and speak with him there."
The widow shook her head and exchanged an anxious look with Mark Wilson, who left the room immediately.