The frosts and the thaws had made of it a very way of sorrows.

Here in the harder parts was a tumble of ridges and holes, with edges as hard as steel; here in the softer, the faggots laid to build it up were broken or rotted through, making it no better than a trap for horses' feet; and it was a full hour before Robin finished his four miles and turned up through the winter woodland to the yeoman's farm where he was to meet Anthony.

It was true, as he had said to Mr.Barton, that they were to speak of a matter of tithe--this was to be their excuse if his father questioned him--for there was a doubt as to in which parish stood this farm, for the yeoman tilled three meadows that were in the Babington estate and two in Matstead.
As he came up the broken ground on to the crest of the hill, he saw Anthony come out of the yard-gate and the yeoman with him.

Then Anthony mounted his horse and rode down towards him, bidding the man stay, over his shoulder.
"It is all plain enough," shouted Anthony loud enough for the man to hear.

"It is Dethick that must pay.