`You needn't be afraid,' he said.

`You won't tumble off.

Only you must be careful.
Always hold on with one hand while you rub with the other.' As he spoke, he opened the door.

I started back in a terrible fright, for there was nothing but blue air to be seen under me, like a great water without a bottom at all.

But what must be must, and to live up here was so much nicer than down in the mud with holes in my shoes, that I never thought of not doing as I was told.