throwing her arms in big circles , she continued her brisk walk . if he had put out a real meal , i think i would have been too nervous to eat it ; but this stuff ? when he drew her along , she trudged forward in stony silence ... . after that , hours passed without event . how oh how had he managed to fall so hard , so quickly ? `` did it ever cross either one of your minds that i came an inch away from burning to a crisp ? you might as well be comfortable . '' 