“Wait a moment till I think,” said Joses. “He’s hurt in his head, that’s what’s the matter with him.”
“By the bears’ claws?”
“No, my lad, they didn’t hurt him. He’s frit.”
“Frightened?” said Bart.
“Yes! He’s lost his nerve, and daren’t move.”
“Let’s say a few encouraging words to him.”
“You may say thousands, and they won’t do no good,” said Joses. “He’s got the fright and badly too.”
“But the bears are gone?”
“Ay, that they are, my lad; but the fall’s there, and that’s what he’s afraid of. I’ve seen men look like that before now, when climbing up mountains.”
“But it would be so easy to get back, Joses. I could do it directly.”