Then a herd passed with sheep, and disturbed me somewhat by asking loudly, 'What had become o' Specky ?' 'In bed wi' the colic,' I replied, and the herd passed on ...

just about mid-day a big car stole down the hill, glided past and drew up a hundred yards beyond.

Its three occupants descended as if to stretch their legs, and sauntered towards me.
Two of the men I had seen before from the window of the Galloway inn--one lean, sharp, and dark, the other comfortable and smiling.

The third had the look of a countryman--a vet, perhaps, or a small farmer.
He was dressed in ill-cut knickerbockers, and the eye in his head was as bright and wary as a hen's.
'Morning,' said the last.

'That's a fine easy job o' yours.' I had not looked up on their approach, and now, when accosted, I slowly and painfully straightened my back, after the manner of roadmen; spat vigorously, after the manner of the low Scot; and regarded them steadily before replying.