Page:Along the Trail (1912).pdf/46

 dear," she moaned, "You haven't a bit of feeling. You never had anything of the kind yourself, and so you have no sympathy at all."

"Yes, I have," said the boy, touching her hand softly;—"I have been through it all—and suffered through it all, just as you are doing;—but I found out just what you, yourself, know; that it isn't anything;—and I want you to prove it by knowing that you are free and that there are no bonds;—that is all there is to do."

But Marjorie only shook her head;—"You don't understand," she said, "and you won't let me explain."

Again they came to a steep place, and again the boy stopped and helped her, showing her the easiest foot-holds and being careful to give his help so that the cords would not cut her flesh; but he said no more about her trouble, only accommodated his step to hers and talked to her cheerily of the things they passed;—and when the bonds bruised her in