"That is right, Jessie," he whispered, as the girl also took a firm
hold of the rope. "You are no weight, like that. Now, let the rope pass
gradually through your hands and, when I tell you, hold tight by one of
the knots."
After lowering himself forty feet, Oswald found that he was standing on
a ledge of rock, three inches wide, at the foot of the wall.
"Now, dear, it will be more difficult," he said. "You must use one of
your hands, to push yourself off from any rugged points. There are not
many of them. I had a look at the rock today, and its face is almost
smooth. I will do the best I can to keep you from it."
In another three minutes, they stood at the foot of the craig. Oswald
shook the rope violently, to let those above know that they were down.
Then he untied the cord that bound him to his cousin, who at once sat
down, sobbing hysterically. Oswald put his hand upon her shoulder.
"Steady, Jessie, steady. You have been brave and quiet, coming down.
The danger is over now, but we have a long walk and a longer ride
before us, and you will need all your strength."
In a very short time, Roger and Janet joined them. As soon as she was
untied, Janet threw her arms round Oswald's neck, and spoke for the
first time.
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