If he set out to walk, and his foot failed him half-way, there'd be nothing for it but to sit down and wait.

But he is _not_ on the road: that is the curious part of the business." "Would he come the other way ?" "Hardly.

It is so much further by the river than by the road." "You may depend upon it that is what he has done," said Dr.Ashton.

"He might think he should meet some of you that way, and get an arm to help him." "I declare I never thought of that," exclaimed Val, his face brightening.
"There he is, no doubt; perched somewhere between this and the mill, like patience on a monument, unable to put foot to the ground." He turned away.

Some of the men offered to accompany him: but he declined their help, and begged them to go on with their dinner, saying he would take sufficient servants with him, even though they had to carry Hartledon.
So Mr.Elster went, taking servants and lanterns; for in some parts of this road the trees overhung, and rendered it dark.