He heard Ned’s question, which came to his ears like a strange whisper, and then again louder as if it was reflected from the rock-face on his left; but he only waved his hand by way of reply and went on climbing higher.
“If he were not as active as a goat,” said the doctor, “I should feel nervous and expect to see him fall.”
“Yes, it is very risky,” said Bourne thoughtfully, “and, though we have you with us, a broken limb would not add to the comfort of our journey.”
“Oh, Griggs won’t fall,” said Chris decisively. “He’s going up there to see where the spring comes from.”
“No,” said the doctor. “He is climbing up beside the fall because the water has worn the gully into rough steps and formed a staircase by which we might get out of this gorge and perhaps find ourselves in another perhaps wilder valley. What’s he doing now?”
“Chipping at the stones by the water-side to see if there’s any gold,” said Ned, who was watching their companion attentively. “But he hasn’t found any, for he’s going on.”
This was the case, and at last they saw him come to a stand as if unwilling, or unable, to go any farther.
“Quite a blind lead there,” said the doctor.
“You wouldn’t attempt to take the mules up there, would you,” said Wilton, “even if he said it was passable?”
“No, it would be folly; too much risk. We’ll go back soon, and try some other way.”