said, "what makes you so cross?"

"Cross! Enough to make any man cross. I shall be ruined--such a set of
careless people about me. Those cows left out on the cliff field all
last night, and Tally must have gone over, for I can't see her
anywhere."

"Oh, poor Tally! My kindest cow," cried Mrs Shackle.

"Yes, I shall set that down to you Ramillies. That's a flogging for you
if she isn't found."

"No, no, master; don't be so hard. The poor boy was out all night
looking after signals and--"

Bang! Down came the farmer's fist on the table making the plates and
basins jump.

"Hay, woman, hay!" he roared. "Mind what you're talking about!"

"Don't do that, Blenheim!" cried Mrs Shackle. "You quite frightened
me."

"Yes, I'll frighten the whole lot of you. Ten golden pounds gone over
the cliff through that boy's neglect."

"Well, never mind, dear. You made ever so much more than that last
night, I'll be bound!"

"Will you hold your tongue?" roared the farmer. "There, make haste and
finish that food, boy. Take Jemmy Dadd and the boat and find her.
Skin's worth a few shillings. I must have that."

"Did you look over the cliff, father?" asked Ram.

"I looked over? Of course, but how could I see in that fog?"

Ram was soon out and away, to hunt up Jemmy Dadd, whom he found at last
with his eyes half-closed, yawning prodigiously. They went down to the
boat, launched her, and rowed out along under the tremendous cliffs, and
were about to give up in despair, convinced that the unfortunate cow had
been swept right out to sea, when Ram exclaimed--

"Look yonder, Jem?"

"What for?" grumbled the man; "I'm half asleep, now."

"Never mind that! Look at the cutter."

"Shan't! I've seen un times enough."

"Yes, yes; but look on her deck."

"What for?" said Jemmy, who was steadily pulling homeward.

"Oh, what an obstinate chap you are, Jemmy! Look there; Tally's on
deck."

"Ck!" ejaculated the man, this being meant for a derisive laugh. "Why
don't you say she's having a ride in the Saxham coach."

"I tell you she is. They've got her there, and the sailors are trying
to milk her."

"Then I wish 'em luck," said Jemmy. "There's only one man as can milk
Tally, and that's me."

"Turn the boat's head, and let's go for her."

"Ck!" ejaculated Jemmy again. "What a one you are to joke, Ram Shackle;
but it won't do this mornin'. I'm burst up with sleep."

"Open your stupid eyes, and look for once