"Don't mock me," said the woman, in no gracious tone; "let me rest."
"If you follow this track," persisted Basil, "the way I have come, you will see the Home Station. They will give you breakfast there."
For a moment the woman appeared inclined to accept his kindness she made a movement upwards, but almost immediately she relinquished her intention.
"No," she said, "I will wait."
He was loth to leave her in her distressful plight, but her churlish manner was discouraging.
"Will you not let me help you?"
"You can help me," said the woman, "by leaving me."
He had no alternative. "If you think better of it," he said, "you can obtain shelter and food at the Home Station." Then he passed on to the river.
A stranger was there, already stripping for the purpose of bathing. Scarcely looking at him, Basil was about to remove to a more retired spot when he observed something in the water which caused him to run to the man, who was removing his last garment, and seize his arm.
"What for?" demanded the stranger.