Just for one moment as I clasped her thus in my arms, a fierce thrill ran through me.

But I let it run.
When I had carried her well up the sand close to the little stream, I set her down.

To my surprise, she sank down in a limp heap.
The girl had fainted.
I knew that it was no time for hesitation.
Running to the stream, I filled my hat with water and dashed it in her face.

Then I took up a handful of mud and threw it at her with all my force.

After that I beat her with my hat.
At length she opened her eyes and sat up.
"I must have fainted," she said, with a little shiver.