The coachman was shaking his head and staring at the ground. “What do you mean, you won’t take us there?” Mr Blood shouted. “That’s what we are paying you to do.” “Then keep your money,” said the coachman. “The stone circle is no place for us tonight. It is midwinter.” Mary looked excited. Edgar felt nervous. They were going to an ancient circle of standing stones. Mr Blood had not said why. “At least take us a little closer,” said Mr Blood. The coachman shook his head again. “Not tonight. The past six years at midwinter there has been...” His voice trailed off. “Witchcraft?” Mr Blood asked. The man nodded. “That is why we are here,” said Mr Blood. “To stop the witchcraft.” “I dare not take you any closer,” the coachman said. “You must!” said Mr Blood. “We will not get there in time if we walk. Take us as far as you can along the road and drop us near to the stone circle. Then we will deal with the witchcraft that makes you so afraid.”
