Help needed for knitting pattern

[Helpme1]

I cannot seem to understand round 19 of my pattern to knit mittens

I currently have 23 stitches using 4 needles

Round 19 indicates the following instructions

P9, K6, P2, slip next 6 stitches to a st holder for thumb, using the knit cast on, cast on 3 stitches, p to end of round - 20 sts remains

I cannot seem to figure out how I am to cast on 3 sts and P to end of row when I only have 23 that brings me to the end of the row before I can cast on the 3 stitches

Any help provided would be greatly appreciative

Thank you

What it's saying is that you cast on (and purl) those 3 new stitches at the end of the row.

Oops pressed too soon.. so you have purled and knitted 17, put 6 on holder so they don't count, and created 3 new stitches that you've purled so you are back to 23

clear as mud?

I don't do circular/four needle knitting but I think TopBiscuit is right - it means cast on three stitches and then purl those three stitches.

Cross posted - P9, K6, P2 equals 17 stitches, move 6 for the thumb (down to 17 stitches from 23), cast on 3 on left hand needle then purl those three stitches - 20 stitches.

Definitely clear as mud!

I would like to thank you all I now understand

Again thank you