Explanation of Mr Lamb's statement "So you are not lost are you? Not altogether?"

Mr Lamb's statement "So you are not lost are you? Not altogether?" is a question that he asks the protagonist of the story. The statement holds significance and can be explained in the following points.

Establishing the Setting
The story begins with the protagonist walking through a forest. The protagonist is new to the area and is unfamiliar with the surroundings. Mr Lamb, an old man, is the first person the protagonist encounters in the forest. He is an experienced local who knows the area well.

Assessing the Protagonist's Situation
When Mr Lamb meets the protagonist, he observes that the protagonist is walking aimlessly and looks a bit lost. Mr Lamb asks the protagonist if he is lost. The protagonist replies that he is not lost, but he is looking for a place to stay.

Reading Between the Lines
Mr Lamb's statement "So you are not lost are you? Not altogether?" is not a direct response to the protagonist's reply. Instead, it is a subtle way of Mr Lamb expressing his understanding of the protagonist's situation. He recognizes that the protagonist is not entirely lost, but he is also not entirely familiar with the area. Mr Lamb's statement is a way of telling the protagonist that he understands his situation and is willing to help him.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr Lamb's statement "So you are not lost are you? Not altogether?" is an expression of his understanding of the protagonist's situation. It is a subtle way of telling the protagonist that he understands his situation and is willing to help him.