Now that we were all but out of the hills I was mad to get forward.

I thought foolishly that every minute we delayed there we increased our peril, and I longed for the covering of the lowland forest.

Besides, I thought that by using some of the crinkles in the meadow we could be sheltered from any eyes on the slopes.
Ringan poked his head out of the covert and took a long gaze.

"The place seems empty enough, but I cannot like it.

Have you your pistols handy, Andrew?
I see what looks like an Indian track, and if we were to meet a brave or two, it would be a pity to let them betray us." I looked at my pistols to see if the damp woods had spoiled the priming.
"Well, here's for fortune," said Ringan, and we scrambled off the ridge, and plunged into the lush grasses of the meadow.
Had we kept our heads and crossed as prudently as we had made the morning's journey, all might have been well.