Doubtless it leads straight to the top of the cliff." "Ay," with more of indifference than I had expected, "and it will be no easy trick in the night." "The night ?" "Surely, yes; when else could we expect to compass the path?
Is it not plain, friend, that before we rose fifty feet we should be in full view of every eye in the valley with the sun bright upon us?
I tell you we must foot yonder rocks amid the night shadows, or else it will be safer to lie hidden here." I perceived the truth of his words and I confess to a sinking of the heart, as I contemplated the work before us.

I was never an adept in clambering, it addles my head; and, bad as it appeared by day, surely doubly bad would it prove by night.

Yet there was little help for it, and I made shift to win back my oozing courage by more cheerful speech.
"Odds, but that is no such trip as I would seek after, yet needs must if the devil drives," I said.

"So, now, brother Cairnes, if you wilt consent to divide your store of food, we shall both front our night's work with stronger bodies." "Saints' rest! and if we go over the edge," he replied, cheerfully emptying his bulging pockets on the rock, "it will be a comfort to bear loaded stomachs with us.

It was ever against my pleasure to die half filled." We lingered as long as possible over our meal, conversing in such a way as to encourage each other and indulging in frequent draughts from the clear stream.