“By Jove! How do you stand it?”
“Well, I won’t, any longer than I can help!”
They were going uphill steadily. The fields were left behind, and the pine forest was closing in on them, dark and fragrant.
“This is my favorite walk,” said Esther. “I often come here by myself.”
“Rather lonely, isn’t it?”
“I’m never lonely.”
Again that vague alarm came over the boy. He felt defenseless, lost. He dreaded to go farther; but, chattering pleasantly, Esther went on and on, and he had to answer and to follow.
The road grew rougher, and his little comrade stumbled often.
“Hadn’t we better turn back?” suggested Tommy. “You’ll be tired.”
“Oh, no! I don’t call this far!”