3. FOUR TO FIVE P.M.The cottages along Carriford village street were not so close
but that on one side or other of the road was always a hedge of
hawthorn or privet, over or through which could be seen gardens or
orchards rich with produce. It was about the middle of the early
apple-harvest, and the laden trees were shaken at intervals by the
gatherers; the soft pattering of the falling crop upon the grassy
ground being diversified by the loud rattle of vagrant ones upon a
rail, hencoop, basket, or lean-to roof, or upon the rounded and
stooping backs of the collectors—mostly children, who would have
cried bitterly at receiving such a smart blow from any other
quarter, but smilingly assumed it to be but fun in apples.
The Three Tranters Inn, a many-gabled, mediaeval building,
co
