"Holloa!" exclaimed the latter, "what are you about? You didn't take
me for a foot-ball, did you?"

"I beg your pardon," said Harry, jumping up in some confusion. "I
was so busy thinking that I didn't see you. I hope I didn't hurt
you."

"Nothing serious. Didn't you hurt yourself?"

"I bumped my head a little, but it only struck the earth. If it had
been a stone, it might have been different. I had no idea there was
any one up here except myself."

"It was very kind of you to bow so low to a perfect stranger," said
the other, his eyes twinkling humorously. "I suppose it would only
be polite for me to follow your example."

"I'll excuse you," said Harry laughing.

"Thank you. That takes a great burden off my mind. I don't like to
be outdone in politeness, but really I shouldn't like to tumble over
you. My head may be softer than yours. There's one thing clear. We
ought to know each other. As you've taken the trouble to come up
here, and stumble over me, I really feel as if we ought to strike up
a friendship. What do you say?"

"With all my heart," said our hero.