"I have only begun to feel it hurt, but I wish it wasn't quite so far to the bridge." Askew looked at the water, measuring its height.

"The stepping stones are not far off.

One or two may be covered, but perhaps I could help you across and it would save you a mile." Grace went on with him and they presently stopped beneath the alder branches by a sparkling shallow.

Tall brush grew up the shady bank and briars trailed in the stream.

A row of flat-topped stones ran across, but there were gaps where the current foamed over some that were lower than the rest.