's.

"Like having to take another dose," he said to himself, and he went on
toward the old circle of granite stones which had been set up some long
time back, before men began to write the history of their deeds.

It lay about a mile from the cove, high up on the windy common among the
furze bushes, and was a capital place for a good think. For you could
climb up on the top of the highest stone, look right out to sea, and
count the great vessels going up and down channel, far away on the
glittering waters--large liners which left behind them long, thin clouds
of smoke; stately ships with all sail set; trim yachts; and the
red-sailed fishing fleet returning from their cruise round the coast,
where the best places for shooting their nets were to be found.

It was quite a climb up to the old stones, which were not seen from that
side till you were close upon them, for they stood in a saucer-like
hollow in the highest part of the ridge, and beyond, there was one of
the deep gullies with which that part of Cornwall was scored--lovely
spots, along which short rivulets made their way from the high ground
down to the sea.

Grip knew well enough now where his master was making for, and dashed
forward as if certain that that mysterious object which he was always
hunting had hidden itself away among the stones, and soon after a
tremendous barking was heard.

"Rabbit," muttered Gwyn; and for a few moments he felt disposed to begin
running and join the dog in the chase. But he did not, for, in spite of
being out there on the breezy upland, where all was bright and sunny, he
felt dull and disheartened. Things were not as he could wish, for he
had just begun to feel old enough to bear upon the rein when it was
drawn tight, and to long to have the bit in his teeth and do what he
liked. The Colonel had been pleasant enough that morning, but he had
not invited him to go to the mine; and it felt like a want of trust in
him.

So Gwyn felt in no humour for sport of any kind; he did not care to look
out at the ships, and speculate upon what port they were bound for; he
picked up no stones to send spinning at the grey gulls; did not see that
the gorse was wonderfully full of flower; and did not even smell the
wild thyme as he crushed it beneath his feet. There were hundreds of
tiny blue and copper butterflies flitting about, and a great hawk was
havering overhead; but everything seemed as if his mind was out of taste
and the objec