"In my time, they browt slate doon on t' stane-boats across the Fleet-pike scree.

Pushed them off at top and let them go." There was some further talk and when they resolved to make the experiment Kit went down the hill.

He said he wanted to see how the first sledge crossed an awkward pitch, but it counted for much that he saw a small figure below.

Grace looked satisfied with his excuse for joining her and they waited for a time while the men above moved the first load to the edge.

The sunshine had gone and it was getting cold; the shadows in the dale had faded from blue to dusky gray and the frost was keen.