aid curtly. "I don't want to break my
neck. Yes--yes, by George, it IS easier around there! We could get down
a good way. Here, here; don't start until you take my hand. And be sure
your feet are braced before you move. Come on, now."

"I--I don't believe I can."

"Of course you can. You've GOT to. Come on. Don't look down. Look at the
sand right in front of you."

Getting around that point was a decidedly ticklish operation, but they
managed it, he leading the way, making sure of his foothold before
moving and then setting her foot in the print his own had made. On the
other side of the projection the slope was less abrupt and extended much
nearer to the ground below. They zigzagged down until nearly to the edge
of the steep drop. Then Albert looked about for a new path to safety. He
found it still farther on.

"It takes us down farther," he said, "and there are bushes to hold on to
after we get there. Come on, Helen! Brace up now, be a sport!"

She was trying her best to obey orders, but being a sport was no slight
undertaking under the circumstances. When they reached the clump of
bushes her guide ordered her to rest.

"Just stop and catch your breath," he said. "The rest is going to be
easier, I think. And we haven't so very far to go."

He was too optimistic. It was anything but easy; in fact, the last
thirty feet was almost a tumble, owing to the clay giving way beneath
their feet. But there was soft sand to tumble into and they reached the
beach safe, though in a dishevelled, scratched and thoroughly smeared
condition. Then Helen sat down and covered her face with her hands.
Her rescuer gazed triumphantly up at the distant rim of broken sod and
grinned.

"There, by George!" he exclaimed. "We did it, didn't we? Say, that was
fun!"

She removed her hands and looked at him.

"WHAT did you say it was?" she faltered.

"I said it was fun. It was great! Like something out of a book, eh?"

She began to laugh hysterically. He turned to her in indignant surprise.
"What are you laughing at?" he demanded.

"Oh--oh, don't, please! Just let me laugh. If I don't laugh I shall cry,
and I don't want to do that. Just don't talk to me for a few minutes,
that's all."

When the few minutes were over she rose to her feet.

"Now we must get back to the pavilion, I suppose," she said. "My, but
we are sights, though! Do let's see if we can't make ourselves a little
more presentable."

She did her best to wipe off the