I asked her the way to get anywhere, forward or back – as long as it was not the way I had come there. “No, my good man, you must go back the way you came. There is no other way; you cannot avoid it. Nor is it possible for you to travel on, for the river is in too high a flood. You can get no help from us on your journey as my husband, who ought to receive you, is ill. But if you can reach our nearest neighbour – who lives about 6 miles from here – he will perhaps help you, if you find him at home. But I think it is all in vain.”