I dared not and could not move.

The root gave way, allowing the mule to fall backward, and startling him with a rattling down of stones and gravel.

One foot slipped over the edge, but three stuck to the path, and the majority prevailed.

After that I saw it was safer to let my faithful beast graze on the outer edge.

All went well until he became absorbed in following downward the foliage of a bush which grew up from below.