I walked as far as the gate, and even ventured out on the road, hoping to see some wayfarer coming past who might be able to tell me something of the accident.

I tried to consider how far it might be to the nearest wayside cottage, where I might possibly learn some news that might break the awful suspense.

But my head was confused, and I suppose I did not calculate the distance rightly, for after I had walked a mile I could see no dwelling.

The morning was breaking now, and the world looked pallid and dreary.

Suddenly my strength failed, I felt faint and dizzy, and sat down upon a heap of stones, drawing my cloak over my face.