"I am afraid it will be
impossible for me to walk so far, and no pony could come along this
narrow path to fetch me."

Browne puckered his forehead with thought. A millionaire is apt to
imagine that nothing in this world is impossible, provided he has his
cheque-book in his pocket and a stylographic pen wherewith to write an
order on his banker. In this case, however, he was compelled to
confess himself beaten. There was one way out of it, of course, and
both knew it. But the young man felt his face grow hot as the notion
occurred to him.

"If you would only let me carry you as far as the main road, I could
easily find a conveyance to take you the rest of the distance," he
faltered.

"Do you think you _could_ carry me?" she answered, with a seriousness
that was more than half assumed. "I am very heavy."

It might be mentioned here, and with advantage to the story, that in
his unregenerate days Browne had won many weight-lifting competitions;
his modesty, however, prevented his mentioning this fact to her.

"If you will trust me, I think I can manage it," he said; and then,
without waiting for her to protest, he picked the girl up, and, holding
her carefully in his arms, carried her along the path in the direction
of the village. It was scarcely a time for conversation, so that the
greater portion of the journey was conducted in silence. When at last
they reached the mountain road--that wonderful road which is one of the
glories of Merok--Browne placed the girl upon the bank, and, calling a
boy whom he could see in the distance, despatched him to the hotel for
assistance. The youth having disappeared, Browne turned to the girl
again. The pain she had suffered during that short journey had driven
the colour from her face, but she did her best to make light of it.

"I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me," she said, and
a little shudder swept over her as the remembrance of how near she had
been to death returned to her.

"I am very thankful I happened to be there at the time," the other
replied with corresponding seriousness. "If you will be warned by me,
you will be careful for the future how you venture on the mountains
without a guide at this time of the year. Fogs, such as we have had
to-day, descend so quickly, and the paths are dangerous at the best of
times."

"You may be sure I will be more careful," she replied humbly. "But do
not let me keep you now; I have detained you too l