"It is different with me," said Mary. "It may be no harm; but I could
not have it."

The free-trader looked at her bright eyes and color, and admired her
spirit, which his words had roused.

"I pray your forgiveness, Miss Anerley," he said; "I meant no harm. I
was thinking of your life. But you look now as if you could do anything
almost."

"Yes, I am warm again. I have no fear. I will not go up like a keg, but
like myself. I can do it without help from anybody."

"Only please to take care not to cut your little hands," said Robin, as
he began the climb; for he saw that her spirit was up to do it.

"My hands are not little; and I will cut them if I choose. Please not
even to look back at me. I am not in the least afraid of anything."

The cliff was not of the soft and friable stuff to be found at
Bridlington, but of hard and slippery sandstone, with bulky ribs
oversaling here and there, and threatening to cast the climber back. At
such spots nicks for the feet had been cut, or broken with a hammer, but
scarcely wider than a stirrup-iron, and far less inviting. To surmount
these was quite impossible except by a process of crawling; and Mary,
with her heart in her mouth, repented of her rash contempt for the crane
sling. Luckily the height was not very great, or, tired as she was, she
must have given way; for her bodily warmth had waned again in the strong
wind buffeting the cliff. Otherwise the wind had helped her greatly by
keeping her from swaying outward; but her courage began to fail at last,
and very near the top she called for help. A short piece of lanyard was
thrown to her at once, and Robin Lyth landed her on the bluff, panting,
breathless, and blushing again.

"Well done!" he cried, gazing as she turned her face away. "Young ladies
may teach even sailors to climb. Not every sailor could get up this
cliff. Now back to Master Popplewell's as fast as you can run, and your
aunt will know what to do with you."

"You seem well acquainted with my family affairs," said Mary, who could
not help smiling. "Pray how did you even know where I am staying?"

"Little birds tell me everything, especially about the best, and most
gentle, and beautiful of all birds."

The maiden was inclined to be vexed; but remembering how much he had
done, and how little gratitude she had shown, she forgave him, and asked
him to come to the cottage.

"I will bring up the little horse. Have no fear," he replied. "I will
not come up