
A weary hilltop becomes the stage for an unlikely encounter between a neatly dressed clergyman and a grizzled laborer. Their banter, laced with dialect and smoke, crackles with tension as the stranger calmly offers a pipe and a question about “Dumford.” The vivid description of the landscape—stone blocks, misty valleys, and a distant church—grounds the scene in a rugged, early‑modern world where manners clash with raw industry.
From this charged meeting, the story unfurls as a quiet investigation into the whereabouts of a man named Dumford, hinted to be more than a simple name. The parson’s unconventional demeanor and the workman’s stubborn pride set up a tug‑of‑war that promises both humor and deeper mystery. Listeners will be drawn into a tale where philosophy, faith, and the stubbornness of everyday folk intersect, all while the hills keep their secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (698K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2010-10-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1831–1909
Best known for lively adventure stories and school tales, this Victorian writer also worked as a journalist, editor, and teacher. His books were especially popular with younger readers, blending brisk action with a strong sense of place and character.
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