“Why didn’t you stop when I called to you just now?” retorted the youth, ignoring the question.
“Because it didn’t suit me,” said the man, not insolently, but with simple, straightforward candor. “You are answered, young sir; now, what do you want?”
The young man looked at him curiously, conquering his anger.
“Well, I’ve lost my way,” he said, after a moment’s pause.
“Where are you going?” was the quiet response.
“To Arkdale.”
The woodman raised his eyes, and looked at him for a moment.
“Arkdale? Yes, you are out of the way. Arkdale lies to the west. Follow me, young sir, and I’ll show you the road.”
“Stop a moment,” said the other; “though you declined to wait for me just now, you would not refuse to give me a glass of water, I suppose.”
The man turned, he had already strode forward, and laid his hand on the latch of the cottage door.