"I know of one belt that runs for forty miles." Even walking downhill was laborious, for they sank ankle-deep, but it was very much worse when they faced the ascent.

Short as the hill was, it took them some time to climb; and, with the hired man's assistance, Edgar carried a heavy trunk up the last part of it.

Then he sat down.
"I'm not sure I can smoke, but I intend to try," he said.

"If you mean to rush the next hill right off, you will go without me." He turned to the hired man.

"What do you think of these roads, Grierson ?" "I've seen better, sir," the other answered cautiously.