In the evening Hillary drove up with his spring-cart, and called the girls out to take their fairings from his trap, some crocks, a roll of drapery, and some other small matters. Hillary was cheerful and full of fun. He repeated the jokes of the cheap-jack, and told of the neighbours that had been taken in. He mentioned whom he had met, and what he had seen. He allowed the dappled horse to stand in the road, with the reins on the ground, whilst, with one foot planted on the steps, he lingered chatting with the girls before their door. He was so bright and amusing that Kate forgot her vexation and laughed. Even the grave Honor was unable to forbear a smile. Of the disturbance in the circus caused by Charles he said nothing, and Honor felt grateful for his tact. He remained talking for half an hour. He carried the girls’ parcels into the cottage for them, and insisted on a kiss from the tiny ones. It almost seemed as if he were tarrying for something—an opportunity which did not offer; but this did not occur to the girls. They felt his kindness in halting to cheer them. Their father was not yet returned from the fair. They were not likely to see Charles again that day. ’By the way, Honor,’ said Larry, ’you have some lambs, have you not?’ ’Yes, five.’ ’Can you fasten them and the ewes in at night?’ ’No—we have no place. But why? They will not take hurt at this time of the year.’ ’Don’t reckon on that,’ said the young man; ’I’ve heard tell there is a lamb-killer about. Farmer Hegadon lost three, and one went from Swaddledown last night. Have you not heard? Watches must be set. None can tell whose dog has taken to lamb-killing till it is seen in the act.’ ’A bad business for us if we lose our lambs,’ said Honor. ’We reckon on selling them and the ewes in the fall, to meet our debt to Mr. Langford for the horse.’ ’Then forewarned is forearmed. Lock them up.’ ’It can’t be done, Larry. You can’t pocket your watch when you’re without a pocket.’ ’In that case I hope the lamb-killer will look elsewhere. That is all. Good-night. But before I go mind this. If you have trouble about your lambs, call on me. I’ll watch for you now you have not Charles at your command. We’re neighbours and must be neighbourly.’ ’Thank you heartily, Larry. I will do so.’ Then the lad went away, whistling in his cart, but as he went he turned and waved his hand to the sisters.