He leaned against the rock to get his breath, and Helen turned to him with a twinkle.
"You doubted my nerve once.

I suppose that was why you didn't let go." "I'm sometimes dull," said Festing.

"Just now, however, I wanted to make certain I could help you back." Helen laughed.

"Well, I dare say you could have lifted me, but it would have been simpler to lower me your coat." They went down the gully, where jambed stones made rude steps, and reaching the bottom found a belt of grass that led them to the head of a dale.

The mist was thinner, and presently a few scattered houses appeared across the fields.