Through the leaden wintry sky the sun broke down the hilltop at that instant in a shaft of bright light.

It fell like an oasis over the solemn company walking there.

Then the shaft widened and stretched into the dale, and then the mists that rolled midway between him and it passed away, and a blue sky was over all.
III.

"Which way now ?" "Well, I reckon there be two roads; maybe you'd like--" "Which way now?
Quick, and no clatter!" "Then gang your gate down between Dale Head and Grey Knotts as far as Honister." "Let's hope you're a better guide than constable, young man, or, as that old fellow said in the road this morning, we'll fley the bird and not grip him.

Your clattering tongue had served us a scurvy trick, my man; let your head serve us in better stead, or mayhap you'll lose both--who knows ?" The three men rode as fast as the uncertain pathway between the mountains would allow.