above her, the rough-hewn steps slanting along its face. For the first
time her heart misgave her.

"What a dreadful place!" she said.

"It's the only way out," said Warden, "unless we tramp underground nearly
half-way to Wallacetown!"

"Can't we go back?" she said, nervously.

"What! Afraid?" He gave her hand a sudden squeeze.

She looked at him and caught the blue fire of his eyes as he bent towards
her. Something moved her, she knew not what. She surrendered herself to
him without a word.

Once more she hung upon his shoulder, clinging desperately, while he made
that perilous ascent. He went up with amazing agility, as if he were
entirely unencumbered. She felt the strength of his great frame beneath
her, and marvelled. Again the magnetic force of the man possessed her,
stilling all fear. She shut her eyes dizzily, but she was not afraid.

When she looked up again they were in the open. He had set her on her
feet, and she stood on the rugged side of a mountain where no vestige of
a path or any habitation showed in any direction. For the first time he
had relinquished all hold upon her, and stood apart, almost as if he
would turn and leave her.

The brief twilight was upon them. It was as if dark wings were folding
them round. A small chill wind was wandering to and fro. She shivered