"Halcro, d'you think we could get down there and see the cave?" she
asked. "Where are your climbing ropes?"
"We can manage it, I think, if you'll try it with me, Thora," I
said.
"Ay will I try it. Do you think I'm afraid?" said she.
Now, this adventure that Thora proposed was no small one, for the
North Gaulton cliffs are amongst the wildest and most rugged in all
Pomona, and they are very steep and dangerous to the climber. Yet
Thora was a cool-headed girl, strong of foot and wrist, and very
adventurous. I remember on one occasion, when several of us were
bird nesting together on the Black Craigs, she happened to get
stranded on a corner of rock, and could not either return or get
round the projecting point. I was watching her, and saw that she
had the wrong foot foremost. Her position was extremely dangerous,
for one false move would have sent her headlong to a frightful
death. But, holding on with one hand, she coolly took a piece of
oatcake from her pocket, and munched it. Then with a dexterous
movement she changed her position, got safely round the point, and
went onward.
"Why, Thora, were you not feared for yoursel?" I asked, when I got
near her again.
"If I'd been feared, Halcro, I wouldna be here now," she quietly
replied.
"I daresay that; but what made ye think of eatin' the bannock when
ye were in such danger?"
And, said she, "Weel, I just thought I was needing it.
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