However, the bell began to toll six; and the thought of their companions in discomfort spurred them on to energy.

They crawled across the Green to Wakefield's.
Four ghostly figures were visible in the feeble dawn, hovering under the wall.
"Got the grub ?" It was the cheery voice of Wally Wheatfield, at sound of which the pilgrims took comfort, and were glad they had turned out after all.
The first thing was to get clear of Fellsgarth, which was easily accomplished, as no one was about.

Even had they been observed, beyond the general wonder of seeing nine juniors taking a morning walk at 6 a.m., there was nothing to interfere with their liberty.

As soon as they got into Shargle Woods a brief council of war was held.
"It's a jolly stiff climb," said Wally.
"I've got a compass," said Ashby, as if that disposed of the difficulty.
Ashby had an ulster, which just then seemed to some of his comrades a still more enviable possession.
"How many miles ?" asked Lickford.
"Miles?
Who ever reckoned mountains by miles?
It's three hours to the top." "That'll be nine o'clock," wisely observed Cash.
"Who knows the way up ?" Percy asked.
"Way up?
Can't you see it ?" said Wally.

"When you get to the bottom, you go straight up." "All very well for you.