"How do you know?"

"Mr. Halpin's a very determined man."

"So am I," replied Mr. Bolton.

"Mr. Dix says the right of way belongs to Mr. Halpin, and no
mistake."

"When did he say so?"

"Just now. He came down from his house, when he saw me at work, and
asked what I was doing; and when I told him, he said you were wrong,
and would only get yourself into trouble; that Mr. Halpin's farm had
the right of way through yours."

"Tell Mr. Dix, when you see him again, not to meddle in my affairs,"
replied Mr. Bolton. "I am entirely competent to manage them myself;
I want no assistance."

As Mr. Bolton turned from Ben, on uttering this speech, he saw Mr.
Dix, who owned another farm that adjoined his, approaching the place
where he stood.

"I want none of his interference," muttered Bolton to himself. Then
forcing a smile into his face, he met his neighbour with a pleasant
greeting.

"You will excuse me," said Mr. Dix, after a few words had passed
between them, "for a liberty I am about to take. I saw your man, a