There is a deep picturesque lane near Chideock called "Skenkzies"
which at night-time is particularly dark, and held in awe, for there are
stories of evil spirits lurking about; and little wonder, for close at hand
is a farmhouse called "Hell!" Old customs and superstitions die hard
in western Dorset. Forlorn and love-sick maidens as a special
inducement for their lo
[Pg 174]
vers to appear, place their boots at right angles to one another in the
form of a T upon retiring to roost. The charm is said to be irresistible;
but there have been cases where it has failed, when the size has
exceeded "men's eights."