Rona's progress was slow but steady.

She worked herself over by a few inches at a time.

When she reached the water's edge on the far side she dropped on to a patch of silver sand and hurrahed.
"Buck up, and come along," she yelled lustily.
This was scouting with a vengeance, and more than the others had bargained for; but the stronger will prevailed, and though they shook in their shoes they were persuaded to make the experiment.
"I'm all dithering," panted Hattie, as Winnie pushed her forward to try first.
It was not as bad as she had expected.

She was able to cling tightly with hands and knees, and though she had one awful moment in the middle, when she thought she was overbalancing, she reached Rona's outstretched hand in due course.
"You squealed like a pig," said the Cuckoo.
"I thought I was done for.

Wouldn't you like to feel how my heart's beating ?" "No, I shouldn't.