But I mistook, overshot it, and saw him no more.

In about ten minutes I became alarmed, and called him many times.

It seems he on his side did the same, but the brow of some hill was between us, and we neither saw nor heard one another.
I then thought I would make the best of my way down, and I should find him upon my arrival.

But in doing so I found the justice of my apprehension about the springs, as, so soon as I got to the foot of the hills, I would sink up to my knees in bog, and have to go up the hills again, seeking better crossing-places.

Thus I lost much time; nevertheless, in the twilight I saw at last the lake and the inn of Rowardennan on its shore.
Between me and it lay direct a high heathery hill, which I afterward found is called "The Tongue," because hemmed in on three sides by a watercourse.