Enoch--come and climm this post, and tell us the way.' The lad dismounted, and jumped into the hedge where the post stood under a tree.
'Unstrap the baskets, or you'll smash up that wine!' cried Darton, as the young man began spasmodically to climb the post, baskets and all.
'Was there ever less head in a brainless world ?' said Johns.

'Here, simple Nocky, I'll do it.' He leapt off, and with much puffing climbed the post, striking a match when he reached the top, and moving the light along the arm, the lad standing and gazing at the spectacle.
'I have faced tantalization these twenty years with a temper as mild as milk!' said Japheth; 'but such things as this don't come short of devilry!' And flinging the match away, he slipped down to the ground.
'What's the matter ?' asked Darton.
'Not a letter, sacred or heathen--not so much as would tell us the way to the great fireplace--ever I should sin to say it! Either the moss and mildew have eat away the words, or we have arrived in a land where the natyves have lost the art o' writing, and should ha' brought our compass like Christopher Columbus.' 'Let us take the straightest road,' said Darton placidly; 'I shan't be sorry to get there--'tis a tiresome ride.

I would have driven if I had known.' 'Nor I neither, sir,' said Enoch.

'These straps plough my shoulder like a zull.

If 'tis much further to your lady's home, Maister Darton, I shall ask to be let carry half of these good things in my innerds--hee, hee!' 'Don't you be such a reforming radical, Enoch,' said Johns sternly.
'Here, I'll take the turkey.' This being done, they went forward by the right-hand lane, which ascended a hill, the left winding away under a plantation.