"If you really do not mind, we should like to go a good deal farther. I want to see round the turn there, where another hill comes from behind and closes up the view. We haven't anybody to go with us, and have seen nothing of the country. The men won't take us shooting; and mamma is always so afraid we lose ourselves, or fall down a few precipices, or get into a bog, or be eaten by wild beasts!" "If this frost last, we shall have time to show you something of the country. I see you can walk!" "We can walk well enough, and should so like to get to the top of a mountain!" "For the crossing then!" said Alister, and turning to the burn, jumped and re-jumped it, as if to let them see how to do it. The bed of the stream was at the spot narrowed by two rocks, so that, though there was little of it, the water went through with a roar, and a force to take a man off his legs. It was too wide for the ladies, and they stood eyeing it with dismay, fearing an end to their walk and the pleasant companionship. "Do not be frightened, ladies," said Alister: "it is not too wide for you." "You have the advantage of us in your dress!" said Christina. "I will get you over quite safe," returned the chief. Christina looked as if she could not trust herself to him. "I will try," said Mercy. "Jump high," answered Alister, as he sprang again to the other side, and held out his hand across the chasm. "I can neither jump high nor far!" said Mercy. "Don't be in a hurry. I will take you--no, not by the hand; that might slip--but by the wrist. Do not think how far you can jump; all you have to do is to jump. Only jump as high as you can." Mercy could not help feeling frightened--the water rushed so fast and loud below. "Are you sure you can get me over?" she asked. "Yes." "Then I will jump." She sprang, and Alister, with a strong pull on her arm, landed her easily. "It is your turn now," he said, addressing Christina. She was rather white, but tried to laugh. "I--I--I don't think I can!" she said. "It is really nothing," persuaded the chief. "I am sorry to be a coward, but I fear I was born one." "Some feelings nobody can help," said Ian, "but nobody need give way to them. One of the bravest men I ever knew would always start aside if the meanest little cur in the street came barking at him; and yet on one occasion, when the people were running in all directions, he took a mad dog by the throat, and held him. Come, Alister! you take her by one arm and I will take her by the other." The chief sprang to her side, and the moment she felt the grasp of the two men, she had the needful courage. The three jumped together, and all were presently walking merrily along the other bank, over the same kind of ground, in single file--Ian bringing up the rear. The ladies were startled by a gun going off close behind them. "I beg your pardon," said Ian, "but I could not let the rascal go." "What have you killed?" his brother asked.