inclined plane terminated. Daggett, however, insisted that he knew the
spot; that they had passed up it. There was a broad shelf a short distance
below them; and once on that shelf, it would be necessary to make a
considerable circuit in order to reach a certain ravine, down which the
path would be reasonably easy. All remembered the shelf and the ravine;
the question was merely whether the first lay beneath them, and as near as
Daggett supposed. A mistaken confidence beset the last, and he carried
this feeling so far as to decline taking an end of a line which Roswell
threw to him, but seated himself on the snow and slid downward, passing
almost immediately out of sight.

"What has become of him?" demanded Roswell, endeavouring to pierce the air
by straining his eye-balls. "He is not to be seen!"

"Hold on to the line, sir, and give me the other end of it; I will go and
see," answered Stimson.

It being obviously the most hazardous to remain to the last, and descend
without the support of one above him, Roswell acquiesced in this proposal,
lowering the boat-steerer down the rock, until he too was hid from his
sight. But, though out of sight in that dense snow-storm, Stimson was not
so distant as to be beyond the reach of the voice.

"Go more to the right, sir," called out the seaman, "and steady me with
the line along with you."

This was done, the walking being sufficiently secure at the elevation
where Roswell was. Presently, Stimson shook the line, and called out
again.