"Neither one nor the other," she answered, checking her mirth. "I think you would have been absolutely justified in using even stronger language under the circumstances. You wouldn't have saved me if you hadn't been—very firm."
"Very brutal, you mean. No, I ought to have managed better. I will next time." He spoke with a smile, but there was a hint of seriousness in his words.
"When will that be?" said Juliet.
"I don't know. But I can make the way down much easier. The steps are a simple matter, and I have often thought a charge of gunpowder would improve that bit where the rock hangs over. If I hadn't wanted to keep the place to myself I should have done it long ago. It certainly is dangerous now to anyone who doesn't know."
Juliet came to a sudden halt in the path. "Oh, you are an engineer!" she said. "I hope you will not spoil your favourite eyrie just because I may some day fall over into it again. The chance is a very remote one, I assure you. Now, please don't come any farther with me! It has only just dawned on me that your way probably lies in the direction of the mines. I shouldn't have let you come so far if I had realized it sooner."
He looked momentarily surprised. "But I do live in this direction," he said. "In any case, I hope you will allow me to see you safely back."
"But there is no need," she protested. "We are practically there. Do you really live this way?"
"Yes. Quite close to the worthy Mrs. Rickett too. I am not an engineer. I am the village schoolmaster."
He announced the fact with absolute directness. It was Juliet's turn to look surprised. She almost gasped.
"You—you!"