they came rattling up in their carts and gigs, or
jogging along on horseback, casting shrewd glances at the various beasts
which had already been driven in. Some of the men knew the boys quite
well, and greeted them with, "Fine day, sir," and a broad stare of
surprise.

By the time the cathedral clock had sounded nine the market was in full
swing.

A medley of noises. The lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep, the
squeak of some outraged pig, mixed with the shouts of the drovers and
the loud excited voices of buyers and sellers. In the midst of all this
turmoil the little boys stood steadily at their post, looking up
anxiously as some possible buyer elbowed his way past and stopped a
minute to notice the black pigs; but none got further than "Good-day,
sir," and a grin of amusement.

So the day wore on. They had brought their dinner tied up in Roger's
handkerchief, and some acorns for the pigs, so at one o'clock they all
had a little meal together. There was a lull just then, for most of the
farmers had poured into the "Blue Boar" to dinner, and the people who
were left were engaged in steadily munching the contents of the baskets
they had brought with them.

Roger and Gabriel had not lost heart yet, and still hoped to sell the
pigs, but they certainly began to feel very tired, especially Gabriel,
who, having remained manfully upright all the morning, now felt such an
aching in the legs that he was obliged to take a seat on a basket turned
upside down.

The afternoon waned, it grew a little dusk, still no buyer. Soon the
boys knew that they must begin their long drive home. But, to take the
pigs back again; it was too heartrending to think of.

Then there was suddenly a little bustle in the market, and people moved
aside to let a new-comer pass down the narrow space between the pens
opposite to where the boys had placed themselves. It was a broad comely
gentleman of middle age, dressed in riding-boots, and cords, and a faded
green coat. He had a riding-whip in his hand, with which he touched the
brim of his hat in acknowledgment of the greetings round him; his dog
followed close on his heels. There was a pleased recognition on all the
faces, for everyone liked Squire Dale; he was a bold rider, and a good
shot, and a kind landlord.

"Hullo, boys," he said cheerily, for he knew Roger and Gabriel well,
"what are you doing here? Is your father in the town?"

"N-n-no," replied Roger, stammering very m