But Eliza found that when the chalk steps ended a sandy and clay bank began, through which a path had been trodden, and they had to climb this, greatly to the detriment of their clothes. But at last they emerged at the top, and came out upon what looked like a wide heath or common, but there was not a house to be seen anywhere, and Eliza declared she would not go any further for fear of losing their way, and missing the particular slope that would lead them to the steps down to the beach.
"Suppose we untie our bundle, and have our supper," said Eustace, who was hungry after his climb.
Eliza was only too glad to sit down in the bright sunshine and eat the bread-and-butter they had brought with them, or at least a part of it; for Eustace said they must keep part so that their wallet should not be empty.
They sat there for some time, until at last the little boy showed signs of being sleepy, and then Eliza jumped up in great alarm.
"Master, we are a long way from the savages, and I shall be frightened if we don't soon get back," she said.
The little trick answered, and Eustace roused himself.
"You ain't fit for a Man Friday," he said, standing up.
"Ah, I wish the Vicar was here, don't you?" said Eliza, still trying to keep up the fiction that she was afraid, but thankful that they were at last going down the sandy slope that would take them to the beach.