He knew that peril would confront them later, when they ventured out into the open.

How light she seemed, as though he clasped a child.

Bearing her was going to be easier than he had supposed; the excitement yielded him a new measure of strength, yet he went forward very slowly, feeling along, inch by inch, planting his feet with exceeding care.

The earth was hard-packed and would leave little trail; there were no leaves, no dead grass to rustle.

Beyond the protection afforded by the stage he felt the full sweep of the wind and permitted her head to rest lower on one arm so that he could look about more clearly.