Her note, telling him he must find the sheep, was in his pocket, and he thought it had cost her something to write.

She was generous and plucky and he must not hesitate.

After all, the job was his and since he had accepted it, he must, if needful, bear the consequences.
Knocking out his pipe, he got up.
"We'll make a start, Tom," he said.
The shepherd shouted to the dogs, the flock broke up and trailed out across the heath.

The ewes moved slowly, turning now and then, and Kit thought it ominous that they met other flocks coming down.

The Herdwicks knew the weather and were heading for the sheltered dales.