about midday
A baker 's van breasted the hill , and sold me a bag of ginger biscuits which I stowed in my trouser-pockets against emergencies . Then a herd passed with sheep , and disturbed me somewhat by asking loudly , `` What had become o ' Specky ? '' `` In bed wi ' the colic , '' I replied , and the herd passed on ... . Just about midday a big car stole down the hill , glided past and drew up a hundred yards beyond . Its three occupants descended as if to stretch their legs , and sauntered towards me . Two of the men I had seen before from the window of the Galloway inn -- one lean , sharp , and dark , the other comfortable and smiling . The third had the look of a countryman -- a vet , perhaps , or a small farmer .