It was going to be a hot day, but now it was cold.Wicked Winnie was made of oak planks and the frame of a bassinet. Robert had mounted a swivel on the front wheels, and fixed a length of sashcord, so that he could steer her.He went down the path to the road, set himself, heeled along twice and put his feet on the bar. The wheels were fast on the hill, and Robert had to lean out at the bottom to take the corner into the lane and over the Moss. The Moss was flat, and when the cart stopped, Robert got off and walked, pulling her after him. He reached Faddock Allman’s cottage, and knocked.‘Mister Allman!’‘Who goes there?’ shouted Faddock Allman. ‘Friend or foe?’‘Friend,’ said Robert.‘Advance, Friend, and be recognised!’ said Faddock Allman.The cottage was on a piece of wet land by the road. Robert went in.Faddock Allman had swept the floor and tidied his bed. His brew can was by him, his cocoa powder and sugar in two twists-of paper.‘Have you had breakfast?’ said Robert.‘Ay,’ said Faddock Allman.
