The road from Plaistow Hall to Denvir Sluice was not in itself interesting.

It ran through a perfectly flat country, without a tree.
For the greater part of the way it was constructed on the top of a great bank by the side of a broad dike, and for five miles its course was straight as a line.

A country walk less picturesque could hardly be found in England.

The road, too, was very dusty, and the sun was hot above Belton's head as he walked.

But nevertheless, he persevered, going on till he struck his stick against the waterfall which was called Denvir Sluice, and then returned,--not once slackening his pace, and doing the whole distance at a rate somewhat above five miles an hour.