And even had it been within Gabriel's means, he would have chosen otherwise.

For most of all the girl needed rest and quiet and immediate care.

To bear her all that distance in his arms might produce serious, even fatal results.
"No!" he decided.

"I must do what I can for her, here and now, and trust to luck to send help in an auto, down this road!" His next thought was that bandages and wraps would be needed for her cut and to make her a bed.

Instantly he remembered the shawl and the big auto-robe that he had seen caught among the trees.
"I must have those at once!" he realized.