"Can you get your arms on to the ice and raise yourself? If you do it carefully it will probably bear you."
"I am afraid not. I seem to be too deep in to get a proper purchase."
"Where can I get a rope?
"Jennings' farm is the nearest house; and that's the other side of the stile."
"Do you very much mind waiting there? I'll be back inside five minutes."
My heart sank at the prospect of being left alone, even for an instant.
"I'd rather--I'd rather you did something now. I'm afraid--I'm afraid I'm sinking deeper. And it's so cold. Can't you do anything at all?"
"I'll do my best."
He did his best; while I watched--how I watched! He selected a part where the ice had not as yet been subjected to any strain, and carefully advanced towards me. It bore him better than I--and perhaps he--had expected.
"It's all right," he cried. "I shall get to you! Cheer up! And keep as still as you can!"