"Fear not, you are among Christians, who attend the holy Mass. What are you then?"
"I am a pitch-burner, sir, dwelling in a tent. There are seven of us who dwell in tents with our families."
"How far are you from here?"
"Not quite ten furlongs."
"How do you get to town?"
"We have our private road along the 'Devil's Hollow.'"
"Along what? The Devil's?… then cross yourself again."
"In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen."
"Very well. Is that road practicable for vehicles?"
"Now there is quagmire everywhere, although there is less near the Hollow than upon the regular road; owing to the access of the wind the mud is quickly dried up. But farther on to Buda the road is bad. But those who know the track push through it slowly."