“I have had enough experience in climbing to know not to attempt the impossible, Sweetheart,” he assured her. “The worst looking places are not always the most dangerous. I promise you to take only reasonable risks.”
“Have we time enough to look at the place this afternoon?” she inquired.
Blake glanced at the sun, and nodded. “The riding is good. We can get back long before dark. Ashton, you had better stretch out and rest.”
“No, I shall go with you,” replied Ashton, his lips set in as firm lines as Blake’s.
“You cannot go, Lafe, unless you agree to ride my pony,” said Isobel.
“I’m not going to have Gowan call me a baby again,” he objected.
“You will need all your strength tomorrow,” predicted Blake.
“You must ride,” insisted Isobel.
“Very well––to please you,” he agreed. “We shall take turns.”
Blake again looked at the sun. “As long as we are 270 going, we may as well carry forward the line of levels. We can take long turns nearly all the way, so there will be little delay.”