The Ripleys expected to do much hard travelling, but their guide's knowledge of every turn enabled him to pick out paths which none ever suspected.

Sometimes the climbing was abrupt, but all, even to Alice, were accustomed to that kind of work, and they kept up a steady gait, which must have placed many miles to the rear if continued long.
Omas continued at the head.

Directly behind him walked his child, the path most of the time being so narrow that they were obliged to travel in Indian file.

Then came Alice and her mother, while Ben considered himself the rearguard.

When the space allowed, Alice took the hand of her parent, but Linna never presumed to speak to or interfere with her grim, silent parent.
Darkness closed around them before they had gone a couple of miles.
During all this time the tramp continued in silence, probably not a dozen words being spoken.