"Yes; it is many miles the shortest, and there was plenty of light."
"I wouldn't travel it at night for many crowns," said the yeoman.
"Why not!" asked one of the miners. "What is there to fear on the moor? If there be spirits, they hurt no one."
"I should like others to risk it before me," said the yeoman.
"Anthony took good care not to ride it alone," muttered Fox, with a side glance at young Cleverdon.
"You forced yourself on me," answered Anthony, sharply.
"Of course you wanted to be quite alone—I understand," sneered Fox.
"You can comprehend, I hope, that your company is no advantage to be greatly desired on the Lyke-Way or elsewhere," retorted Anthony, angrily. "It is possible enough that it was distasteful to others beside myself."
"And your society was infinitely preferable. I make no question as to that," scoffed Fox.
"Now, no quarrels here. We have banished politics. Must we banish every other topic that arises?" asked Solomon Gibbs. "What is this that makes you bicker now?"