"Gaston," she said, smiling, in reply.
"I think, Miss Gaston," as he spoke passing to her a card he happened to have, "if you are willing to permit me to assist you, that we may find a way up the mountain."
"Lizzie, if you will accept Mr. Winslow's kind offer to help us we may return at once. I can carry the camera and get on very well without help, as you know."
"Anything, Grace, if we may escape from here. The sound of the waves will drive me to do anything. I have become so nervous thinking of mother."
"It is very kind of you, Mr. Winslow," said Miss Gaston, "and pray excuse the necessity of taking your time in this way. It may cause you much inconvenience."
"Not at all," smiled Winslow, in reply; "I am my own master, and my boatman is engaged for the season."
"Do let us hasten, then, Mr. Winslow, I beg of you. It is very, very kind of you indeed."
Winslow at once moved up the rocky base of Blomidon, choosing a way through the boulders and over the rough broken stone that was easiest for the ladies. As he came near the steep face of the cape he selected a place which seemed to promise less difficulty than elsewhere for their ascent. The course took them up the bed of a brook in the sandstone worn irregularly smooth, and free from stone and earth. At this dry season the amount of water running was small. It was very steep in many places, but the sharp, fine material of the rock over which they trod gave them a good footing. Winslow paid all attention to Miss Forest, who was more timid and less agile and firm of foot than Miss Gaston. Often the way was so steep as to be most difficult for him to ascend, but when he got himself up it was more easy to assist them afterward. To aid him he used a long, tough stick which he found on the way, and by taking the ends in his hands he made good use of the loop by passing it around the waist of the young women.
"Are you sure you can hold out, ladies?" asked Winslow, when they had risen about a hundred feet in this way, and were resting, still in the bed of the brook.