It was too rough for riding, even if he had not wanted to save the horse, and he had no idea how far he must go before he could get out.

Ford, at that time, was not particularly cheerful.
He must have gone a mile and more before he reached the point where, by hard scrambling, he attained level ground upon the same side as the girl.

Ten minutes he spent in urging Rambler up the bank, and when the horse stood breathing heavily beside him, Ford knew that, for all the good there was in him at present, he might as well have left him at the bottom.

He walked around him, rubbing leg and shoulder muscles until he located the hurt, and shook his head when all was done.

Then he started on slowly, with Rambler hobbling painfully after him.