they 've taken the two best oxen to pull the cart and blain 's taken the rest into town , mama 's cousin lord massant and his men will be here later , and they 'll want feeding and not fish either , so that 's why there 's no work today , well there is still lots of fish to salt and pickle , but mama 's women are doing that , and we 're not allowed onto the mud anymore , because well you know why , so you can come and play , ' he eyed neb up and down 'or just watch if you want ' he added , no doubt in deference to neb 's perceived great age .