But in trying to smile I felt my lips drawn, and my eyes blinded with tears.
"I've fallen down the cliff," I said, feebly, "and I am hurt." "Mon Dieu!" he cried again.

The strong man shook, and his hand trembled as he stooped down and laid it under my head to lift it up a little.

His agitation touched me to the heart, even then, and I did my best to speak more calmly.
"Tardif," I whispered, "it is not very much, and I might have been killed.

I think my foot is hurt, and I am quite sure my arm is broken." Speaking made me feel giddy and faint again, so I said no more.

He lifted me in his arms as easily and tenderly as a mother lifts up her child, and carried me gently, taking slow and measured strides up the steep slope which led homeward.