12

John dropped down into the ditch where they all were.

He said immediately: 'We shan't get in there peaceably.

They won't budge. My brother's tried them, but it's no good. So we have the alternatives I spoke of going somewhere else or fighting our way into Blind Gill. Have you thought about it?'

There was a silence; All Parsons broke it. He said:

'It's up to you, Mr distance - you know that. We shall do whatever you think best.'

'Right,' John said. 'One thing, first. My brother looks like me, and he's wearing blue overalls and a grey and white check shirt. I'm telling you this so you can watch out for him. I don't want him hurt, if it can be helped.'

Joe Harris said: 'We're having a go, then, Mr Custance?'

'Yes. Not now - tonight. Now we are going to beat an orderly retreat out of the range of vision of the people on the fence. It's got to look as though we've given up the idea of getting in. Our only hope is having the advantage of surprise.'

They obeyed at once, scrambling out of the ditch and heading back down the road, away from the valley.

John walked at the rear, and Roger and Pirrie walked with him.

Roger said: 'I still think you're doing the wrong thing, Johnny. You could leave us and take the family back.

They would have you.'