"You can get 'em up to Mr. Hemps's for six pence a pound," said Barby.
But Fleda shook her head at the sixpence, and went on moulding out her biscuits diligently.
"I wish Philetus would make his appearance with the cows it is a very odd thing they should be gone since yesterday morning, and no news of them."
"I only hope the snow aint so bright it'll blind his eyes," said Barby.
"There he is this minute," said Hugh. "It is impossible to tell from his countenance whether successful or not."
"Well, where are the cows, Mr. Skillcorn?" said Barby, as he came in.
"I have went all over town," said the person addressed, "and they aint no place."
"Have you asked news of them, Philetus?"
"I have asked the hull town, and I have went all over, 'till I was a'most beat out with the cold and I ha'n't seen the first sight of 'em yet!"
Fleda and Hugh exchanged looks, while Barby and Mr. Skillcorn entered into an animated discussion of probabilities and impossibilities.