Yes, sir," replied Ben.

"Very well. Bring him round."

"Are you going now?" asked Mrs. Bolton, coming to the door, as Ben led
up the horse.

"Yes. I wish to be home early, and so must start early."

And Bolton sprang into the saddle.

But for the presence of his wife, it is more than probable that he
would have quietly directed Ben to go and rehang the gate, and thus
re-establish Mr. Halpin's right of way through his premises. But, this
would have been an exposure of himself to his better-half that he had
not the courage to make. So he rode away. His purpose was to visit the
city, which was three miles distant, on business. As he moved along in
the direction of the gate through which he was to pass on his way to
the turnpike, he had to go very near the spot where Ben had been at
work in the morning. The unhinged gate lay upon the ground where,
according to his directions, it had been thrown; and the place it
formerly occupied was closed up by four strong bars, firmly attached to
the posts.

Mr. Bolton didn't like the looks of this at all. But it was done; and
he was not the man to look back when he had once undertaken to do a
thing.

As he was riding along, just after passing from his grounds, he met Mr.
Dix, who paused as Bolton came up.

"Well, neighbour," said the former in a tone of mild persuasion, "I
hope you have thought better of the matter about which we were talking
a few hours ago."

"About Halpin's right of way through my farm, you mean?"

"Yes. I hope you have concluded to reopen the gate, and let things
remain as they have been, at least for the present. These offensive
measures only provoke anger, and never do any good." Bolton shook his
head.

"He has no right to trespass on my premises," said he, sternly.

"As to the matter of right," replied Mr. Dix, "I think, the general
opinion will be against you. By attempting to carry out your present
purpose, you will subject yourself to a good deal of odium; which every
man ought to avoid, if possible. And in the end, if the matter goes to
court, you will not only have to yield this right of way, but be
compelled to pay costs of suit and such damages as may be awarded
against you for expense and trouble occasioned Mr. Halpin. Now let me
counsel you to avoid all these consequences, if possible."

"Oh, you needn't suppose all this array of consequences will frighten
me," said Mr. Bolton. "I don't know what fear is. I generally try to do
right, a