74 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

CHAPTER VI.

 

 

 

With a fast-beating heart little Mona began
to descend the precipice. She hoped to re-
cover the cap and overtake her companions
before they were out of hearing, but she did
not realize the extent of the task she had
undertaken.

Looking down from the edge of the preci-
pice, the distance to the bottom did not seem
very great, but the path was rough and steep,
and Mona made very slow progress. Seizing
for her support the longest boughs within
reach, the little maid carefully selected a secure
footing before releasing the bough. Often the
loose earth gave way as she set her foot upon