Fiona suddenly recollected that she had not yet thanked the shepherd, and turned to do so. But the shepherd and collie were gone. They must have walked very quickly to have turned the corner of the hill already.
"Where did he go?" she asked Artemis. Artemis shivered.
"To his own place, I hope," said Artemis severely. "Well brought up dogs should not be asked to associate with things like that."
"But it was only the new shepherd," said Fiona.
"There's the new shepherd," said Artemis, nodding toward a distant slope, where a figure with a brown collie could be seen gathering sheep.
"What were they, then?" asked Fiona.
"Two of the Little People, of course," said Apollo. "Oh dear, oh dear, I'm afraid you'll have trouble."
"One generally dies," said Artemis, with cheerful consolation.
"But they were very nice to me indeed," said Fiona.
"Of course they were," said the woodcock. "You're privileged, you know. We all know it. And don't you mind the dogs, my dear. They are good creatures, but they and their forbears have lived so long with humans that they have forgotten most of the things we know. They are nearly as blind as humans now, saving your presence, my dear. And now what is it you want with me?"