The Herdwicks were strung out along the hillside, with a dog below and above, and it was comforting to know they could not leave the valley, which was shut in by rugged crags.

For a time, driving them would be easy; but it would be different when they left the water and climbed the rise to Bleatarn ghyll.
"How far are we off the mine-house, Tom ?" he shouted.
"I dinna ken," said the shepherd.

"Mayhappen two miles.

Ewes is travelling better; t'lambs is leading them." Kit agreed, and they pushed on through the snow.

After a time, the ground got steeper, and when they crossed the noisy beck and scrambled up a shaly bank, Kit was glad to see a broken wall loom among the tossing flakes.