With his failing strength and stiff limbs, it was no slight task to get into place; and the return, though less laborious to the horses, was equally dangerous, because Gilbert was scarcely able to support himself without help.

由于他力气丧失，手脚麻木，坐稳可不容易；回程不那么费力，也同样危险，因为如果没人帮忙，吉尔伯特无法坐稳。