The start was made in a leisurely manner. Janus halted every little
while to point out some interesting feature of the landscape, or to
relate some legend of the past associated with this or that particular
bit of mountain scenery. An hour had been occupied in this easy
jogging before they came to the sheer climb that lay before them. This
latter was more than a thousand feet, but the guide proposed to take
the greater part of the day for it. There was no need for haste, as
the journey could be made easily before night.
As one gazed up the jagged side it did not seem possible that anything
other than a bird could make the ascent. It looked a sheer wall from
where the girls stood, the projections and jutting crags appearing
perfectly flat to them. Even Harriet Burrell and Miss Elting were a
little dubious.
"Do you think it safe?" questioned the guardian apprehensively.
"No. Mountain climbing is never safe," replied Janus. "It can be
done, and easily at that, if that's what you mean. Shall we go ahead
or go back, Miss?"
"Ahead, of course," the guardian nodded.
Janus got his line ready, a small but strong and pliant rope.
Pages:
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165