Maid of the Mist - John Oxenham - Bog

At sight of where the chase was leading, most of the riders reined in their panting horses and sat watching those in front with anxious faces. The Old Roman Road-so called, though with possibly somewhat doubtful claim to antiquity so remote-had an evil reputation. At best of times it was dangerous. More than one of them had sacrificed a horse to it at some time or other. Some had come near to sacrificing more.