And when they had done this they sought new paths, till there were many paths.

And on such a path Frona came upon a man spread carelessly in the mud.

He lay on his side, legs apart and one arm buried beneath him, pinned down by a bulky pack.

His cheek was pillowed restfully in the ooze, and on his face there was an expression of content.

He brightened when he saw her, and his eyes twinkled cheerily.
"'Bout time you hove along," he greeted her.