"Then I can. I'll show you a way, if you're not too proud to take advice from a girl."
"Certainly not," Kit said, smiling. "I don't know why you think
I'm proud."
"Then perhaps you're obstinate; some of the dalesfolk are."
"We're slow. We like to try things properly; and then, perhaps we stick to them longer than is needful if we find them good. But caution's prudent."
"You're very cautious now," Grace rejoined. "You don't seem curious about my plan. Are you afraid it isn't practical?"
"No," said Kit, rather earnestly; "since it's yours, it's no doubt good." Then he pulled himself up and added with a twinkle: "But I haven't heard it yet."
"Well, while your difficulty is that the peat comes down too fast, I think it does not go fast enough. You are afraid about your horses, but you needn't use them. The stone-boats would run down alone. Do you understand now?"
Kit started. "I expect you have found the way, Miss Osborn, and we owe you some thanks. In fact, you're cleverer than the lot!"
"The admission doesn't seem to hurt you," Grace rejoined. "But I imagine to feel you had to make it was something of a shock."
"No," said Kit, with a laugh she liked. "We're often dull and our womenfolk have helped us much. But somehow I did not expect—"