ing
with hunger; and that made Oliver ashamed to do the same, and put him
upon thinking what was to be done next.

Ailwin was the only person who, being as strong as Roger could have got
anything from him by force; and there was no use in asking Ailwin to
cross the bridge-rope, or to do anything which would bring her nearer to
the boy she feared so much. Besides that, Roger had carried over the
clothes' basket without leaving any line to pull it back by. Oliver
felt that he (if he were only a little less hungry and tired) could make
the trip in a sack, or a tub, or even a kettle; but a tall woman like
Ailwin could cross in nothing smaller than the missing clothes' basket.
It was clear that Oliver alone could go; and that he must go for the
tinder-box before any comfort was to be had.

He made up his mind to this, therefore; and having, with Ailwin's help,
slung the useful tub upon the bridge-rope, so that he might start the
first moment that Roger should be out of sight or asleep, he rested
himself in the window, watching what passed on the Red-hill. He
observed that Roger seemed quite secure that no one could follow him, as
he had carried off the basket. There he lay, near the fire, eating the
meat he had broiled, and playing with his dog. It seemed to the hungry
watchers as if he meant to lie there all day. After awhile, however, he
rose, and sauntered towards the trees, among which he disappeared, as if
going to the other side of the hill, to play, or to set his dog upon
game.

Oliver was off, sliding along the bridge-rope in his tub. He did not
forget to carry the line with which to bring back the basket. It seemed
to him that Roger intended to live by himself on the Red-hill; and to
this none of the party had any objection. He had swum over to the house
once, when the stream was higher and more rapid than now; and he could
come again, if he found himself really in want of anything; so that
nobody need be anxious for him. Meantime, no one at the house desired
his company. Oliver therefore took with him a blanket and a rug, and a
knife and fork for his accommodation.

He alighted under the beech without difficulty, and laid down the
articles he brought under the tree, where Roger would be sure to see
them. He took the flint and the tinder from the tinder-box, and
pocketed them, leaving the steel and the box for Roger's use, as there
were knives at home, and Roger might perhaps find a flint on the hill