'Another time maybe,' Puck answered. 'Brr! It's cold--and late. I'll race you towards home!'
They hurried down into the sheltered valley. The sun had almost sunk behind Cherry Clack, the trodden ground by the cattle-gates was freezing at the edges, and the new-waked north wind blew the night on them from over the hills. They picked up their feet and flew across the browned pastures, and when they halted, panting in the steam of their own breath, the dead leaves whirled up behind them. There was Oak and Ash and Thorn enough in that year-end shower to magic away a thousand memories.
So they trotted to the brook at the bottom of the lawn, wondering why _Flora_ and _Folly_ had missed the quarry-hole fox.
Old Hobden was just finishing some hedge-work. They saw his white smock glimmer in the twilight where he faggoted the rubbish.
'Winter, he's come, I reckon, Mus' Dan,' he called. 'Hard times now till Heffle Cuckoo Fair. Yes, we'll all be glad to see the Old Woman let the Cuckoo out o' the basket for to start lawful Spring in England.'
They heard a crash, and a stamp and a splash of water as though a heavy old cow were crossing almost under their noses.
'Gleason's bull again, playin' Robin all over the Farm! Oh, look, Mus' Dan--his great footmark as big as a trencher. No bounds to his impidence! He might count himself to be a man or--or Somebody----'
A voice the other side of the brook boomed:
'I wonder who his cloak would turn When Puck had led him round, Or where those walking fires would burn----'
Then the children went in singing 'Farewell Rewards and Fairies' at the tops of their voices. They had forgotten that they had not even said good-night to Puck.
Land of our Birth, we pledge to thee Our love and toil in the years to be; When we are grown and take our place, As men and women with our race.
Father in Heaven Who lovest all, Oh, help Thy children when they call; That they may build from age to age, An undefiled heritage.
Teach us to bear the yoke in youth, With steadfastness and careful truth; That, in our time, Thy Grace may give The Truth whereby the Nations live.
Teach us to rule ourselves alway, Controlled and cleanly night and day; That we may bring, if need arise, No maimed or worthless sacrifice.