"You leave the road at a ruined cottage along here and cross the fields," said the man. "I'm going that way myself."
"I leave the road further along," the Irishman said hastily.
"Nonsense," said the man. "Past the ruined cottage is the best way."
"I'm not going that way," Fitzgerald said.
"Not going that way," repeated his companion. "Why not?"
"I don't know the road through the fields there."
"But I know the way."
"I prefer to go further along," said Fitzgerald. "Two of my mates are just ahead."
"Where are they?" asked the stranger in a tone of surprise. "I thought you were all alone."
"They are just a few hundred yards on in front," was the answer. "Not so far away."