The thoughtless courage which snatched at what was offered seemed a much more fruitful thing, though one might afterward bear the smart as well as enjoy the sweet.

To accomplish or obtain anything one must at least face a risk.

He remembered how, when he clung hesitating to the slippery rock, Ida Stirling had bidden him jump.

He was, however, not a moralist, but a man with a simple code which, a few hours ago, had proved singularly difficult to adhere to.
He had then seen something in Ida Stirling's eyes that set his nerves tingling, but he could not take advantage of the momentary reaction of relief at his escape.

He wondered, though, why Grenfell had spoken as he had, until the latter turned to him again.
"You mentioned that you nearly pulled Miss Stirling in when she held out that rod," he said.