But there are such places yonder.' 'And far from here ?' said Nell.
'Aye surely.

How could they be near us, and be green and fresh?
The road lies, too, through miles and miles, all lighted up by fires like ours--a strange black road, and one that would frighten you by night.' 'We are here and must go on,' said the child boldly; for she saw that the old man listened with anxious ears to this account.
'Rough people--paths never made for little feet like yours--a dismal blighted way--is there no turning back, my child!' 'There is none,' cried Nell, pressing forward.

'If you can direct us, do.

If not, pray do not seek to turn us from our purpose.

Indeed you do not know the danger that we shun, and how right and true we are in flying from it, or you would not try to stop us, I am sure you would not.' 'God forbid, if it is so!' said their uncouth protector, glancing from the eager child to her grandfather, who hung his head and bent his eyes upon the ground.