The two boys looked at each other. “Allo,” said Gregor. He smiled but he looked puzzled. He pointed down the track and raised his eyebrows at Sam. “Hello,” said Sam. He was thinking hard. If he could make Gregor understand about the strayed oxen, he might be able to help find them. Sam shaded his eyes and peered all around to show that he was searching for something. Then he pointed at Prince and at Gregor’s horse and shook his head. He held up two fingers and hunched his shoulders, hoping he would look a little like an ox. Gregor looked puzzled. Sam pointed to himself and to the north side of the track. He drew the shape of a house in the air with his hand. Then he pointed to the south side of the track and drew another house. “Martingale,” he said and looked hopefully at Gregor. Gregor nodded vigorously.
