I set my hat hard on my head, clenched my teeth, and went right before me up the face of the sand-wreath.

It made a hard climb, being steep, and the sand like water underfoot.

But I caught hold at last by the long bent grass on the brae-top, and pulled myself to a good footing.

The same moment men stirred and stood up here and there, six or seven of them, ragged-like knaves, each with a dagger in his hand.

The fair truth is, I shut my eyes and prayed.