'But if those excisemen had got off with the tubs, half the people in the parish would have been in want for the next month or two.' Stockdale was not paying much attention to her words, and he said, 'I don't think I can go back like this.

Those four poor excisemen may be murdered for all I know.' 'Murdered!' said Lizzy impatiently.

'We don't do murder here.' 'Well, I shall go as far as Warm'ell Cross to see,' said Stockdale decisively; and, without wishing her safe home or anything else, the minister turned back.

Lizzy stood looking at him till his form was absorbed in the shades; and then, with sadness, she went in the direction of Nether-Moynton.
The road was lonely, and after nightfall at this time of the year there was often not a passer for hours.

Stockdale pursued his way without hearing a sound beyond that of his own footsteps; and in due time he passed beneath the trees of the plantation which surrounded the Warm'ell Cross-road.