Steynham, quiet enough in the spring-time, but showing much more life as the fruit and hop seasons come round, was soon left behind, and the gradual ascent to Wychcliff was begun--a long drive through two or three villages, and then a steep climb up a narrow, grass-grown road, to the hills beyond. There was only room for one vehicle at a time, and Margaret was startled by suddenly hearing the driver calling at the top of his voice, "Hie--back--there!--back!" and the old cab came to a sudden standstill with a violent jerk. A sharp altercation ensued between the two Jehus, which sounded decidedly uncomplimentary; then her vehicle was jerked backwards down the hill, nearly overturning as it ran up on to the bank. Miss Woodford was used to horses, and not easily frightened, so she sat tight, preferring the chance of an upset to getting out on to this unknown, narrow road, and in the darkness trying to find standing-room in the hedge. It was not a pleasant experience, as those who have driven up, or down Wychcliff hill in the evening can testify. Here and there at long intervals there are wider spaces cut back into the adjacent fields to allow vehicles to pass. Fortunately, one was near, and after much jolting and noise, with a good deal of argument on the part of the drivers, and a last shout from Cramp, whose temper was now up, of "'Nother time I'll see you back yer old caërt before I stop my currage for such as _yew_!"--and the cab crawled on again. Would it ever end? she wondered, and the remembrance of that dark, lonely drive, with night settling down around her, never quite faded from her mind, although she little knew then the fears and doubts that were to await her later. By dint of inquiry at a solitary cottage, which was passed at the top of the hill, they discovered the whereabouts of Oaklands Farm. In the gloom Margaret could not see what her future home was like, the darkness being increased by the thick trees which surrounded it, only leaving just room for the cab to draw up before the front door. She got out and paid her fare, as the man set down her box on the step, and then, after violently ringing the bell, climbed back to his seat. "Seems pretty lonely," he remarked, as he gathered up the reins; "not much of a place for a young lady like you." The girl shivered at his words. "Look here," he continued, "if you want to get away whoam any time, yew jest write to Mr. Cramp, Cab Driver, Steynham, and I'll come for yer, miss--see?" Tears rose in the back of Margaret's eyes at the mention of the word home. She thanked the kindly old man, who was always liked by his "fares," but she did not explain her destitute condition to him. He waited, after setting her box on the step, until the door opened, and looked backward as he drove away to see she had entered. Then he vanished into the darkness.