Why I often roam about like this after my kids when they fall into the precipice; and you are no heavier than a young kid, I'm sure." And then, with the hand that remained free, he plucked at the remainder of the damaged bush.

Henrietta perceived with astonishment that the roots which had not snapped asunder beneath his weight were loosened from the rock by the mere tug of the man's hand.

But what was he going to do with them?
The herdsman bade the lady fear nothing; no further accident could happen, he said; then, sticking the torn out stump between his legs like a hobby-horse and pressing it against the rock with one hand, he himself turned his back to the mountain-side and suddenly, stretching his legs wide apart, let himself glide down the shelving rock.
Henrietta shrieked aloud, she thought she was lost, but the next moment the herdsman stood on solid ground and looked up at her with a smile: "We're all right, you see," he cried.

"Oh, I have travelled like this many a time; it is rare fun,--sledging I call it." Sledging indeed!--to plunge down a steep mountain side five fathoms deep with the aid of a juniper bush! From where they now stood it was an easy matter to convey the lady to the bottom of the precipice, which was overgrown with bright grass, on which he deposited her.
"There you are, my lady," said he.

"Don't be frightened; I will soon be back again." And with that he scrambled up again towards the wedged-in horse.
Henrietta gazed after him in amazement--whatever was he going to do there?
The fellow, on reaching the wriggling horse, first of all caught firm hold of its front legs and then tied all four legs tightly together with the stirrup-straps.