Scrooge muttered , with an unusual catching in his voice , that it was a pimple ; and begged the Ghost to lead him where he would . `` You recollect the way ? '' inquired the Spirit . `` Remember it ! '' cried Scrooge with fervour ; `` I could walk it blindfold . '' `` Strange to have forgotten it for so many years ! '' observed the Ghost . `` Let us go on . '' -LSB- Illustration : `` You recollect the way ? '' inquired the spirit . `` Remember it ! '' cried Scrooge with fervour ; `` I could walk it blindfold . '' -RSB- They walked along the road , Scrooge recognising every gate , and post , and tree , until a little market-town appeared in the distance , with its bridge , its church , and winding river . Some shaggy ponies now were seen trotting towards them with boys upon their backs , who called to other boys in country gigs and carts , driven by farmers . All these boys were in great spirits , and shouted to each other , until the broad fields were so full of merry music , that the crisp air laughed to hear it . `` These are but shadows of the things that have been , '' said the Ghost . `` They have no consciousness of us . '' The jocund travellers came on ; and as they came , Scrooge knew and named them every one . Why was he rejoiced beyond all bounds to see them ? Why did his cold eye glisten , and his heart leap up as they went past ?
Why was he filled with gladness when he heard them give each other Merry Christmas , XXXXX they parted at cross-roads and by-ways for their several homes ?
along as beyond for in on that to towards with