One could reach Mireside by a rough moor-land road, but it went round the hills and there was a shorter way across the range.

If he went round, he might arrive late for the reckoning and some of the lambs would get footsore and stop.

On the other hand, he knew the fells and shrank from trying to find his way among the crags in the dark.

It was, however, important that he should not be late.

Hayes was hard, and the Herdwicks must arrive in time to be tallied with the rest of Railton's flock.